JOBCENTRE security guards in Bradford have gone on strike in a national dispute over pay. 

Members of the GMB union, including those who work at the Jobcentre on Manningham Lane, walked out today and will continue their strike tomorrow. 

Eamon O’Hearn, GMB national officer, highlighted the issues security guards face in their jobs, including being attacked, and said the strikes would escalate "unless G4S agrees to pay them a wage they can live on". 

A G4S spokesperson said: "Our dedicated security colleagues do a great job, sometimes in difficult circumstances.

"We urge the GMB to present our offer to our employees, which is both above minimum wage and inflation. We are keen to bring this dispute to an amicable conclusion.

"The safety of our employees and the people and buildings they protect is our priority.

"In the event of further industrial action, we will continue to work with the Department for Work and Pensions on what have been highly effective contingency plans."