Angela Rayner Faces Backlash as Civil Servants Threaten Strike Over Office Attendance

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Angela Rayner, Labour’s deputy leader and a former shop steward, is facing mounting pressure as hundreds of civil servants in her Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) consider strike action. More than 1,100 union members from the department have begun balloting for industrial action, citing frustration over strict attendance policies that require them to work from the office at least three days a week.  

 

The dispute has placed Rayner in an awkward position as she spearheads legislation aimed at expanding rights for trade unions and millions of workers. The Public and Commercial Services (PCS) union, representing the disgruntled staff, argues that these policies contradict the very principles the government claims to support. In addition to their concerns over office attendance, workers are also protesting the planned closure of six regional offices across England, which they believe will undermine the government’s commitment to boosting economic growth.  

 

PCS general secretary Fran Heathcote criticized the government’s stance, saying, “The government’s actions are in stark contradiction to its own promises. First, the Deputy Prime Minister is championing the Employment Rights Bill, promising to improve workers’ rights, yet risks having her own workers taking strike action. And second, the department cannot claim to empower local communities while stripping away the very support they need.”  

 

Heathcote also warned that the closure of regional offices would have far-reaching consequences beyond the affected employees, impacting local government operations, housing initiatives, and even emergency response efforts. “The impact of these closures won’t just be felt by staff; it will affect local government, housing projects, and even emergency response efforts. We call on the Deputy Prime Minister to intervene and stop this dispute before it starts,” she added.  

 

The brewing conflict is further complicated by previous demands from MHCLG staff for a four-day workweek with no reduction in pay. As the ballot for industrial action continues, the outcome could prove a significant challenge for Rayner and her position as a champion of workers’ rights.

 

Based on a report by Daily Mail  2025-02-28