JobCentre security guards strike over pay

Peter Pritchard, who has worked in security for nine years, said he has been threatened with knives, needles and table legs during his shifts

A Jobcentre security guard, striking for better pay and working conditions, has told the BBC his colleagues "put their lives on the line" on a daily basis.

Guards employed by G4S, are taking industrial action over their salaries claiming 90% are only given the minimum wage.

Peter Pritchard, who works at the Ferensway site in Hull, said he was regularly threatened with "needles, knives and spit" by people using the service.

A G4S spokesperson said it had offered a deal above minimum wage and inflation and was "keen" to end the dispute.

About 1400 security workers, employed by G4S, are taking industrial action over their pay and working conditions

But workers on the picket line in Hull earlier described feeling "anxious" ahead of their shifts and expressed frustration at not being paid more.

Peter Pritchard has worked for G4S for three years and a further six in other security jobs.

He said: "We never know who is coming in or if they'll be carrying weapons, needles, whether they'll spit at us or launch themselves at us. We could be attacked at any time.

"We've had people come in carrying knives and table legs. They come in, kick off and we have to deal with it. We're not just there for the fun of it. It's very dangerous.

"Every guard has to put their lives on the line to make sure everyone, customers and staff, are looked after and are safe. This job comes with a lot of pressure."

Mr Pritchard also told the BBC he and 1,400 colleagues across the UK would continue with strike action for "as long as it takes".

"If it takes six months, if it takes a year, that's what we will do. We need and deserve a rise. We've had no increase, apart from the minimum wage, for two years.

In response to the action, G4S said the safety of its employees was its "highest priority" and acknowledged the "difficult circumstances" some workers faced.

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