BANK OF ENGLAND WARNED: UK FACES MONEY SHORTAGES IF G4S CASH STAFF STRIKE

BANK OF ENGLAND WARNED: UK FACES MONEY SHORTAGES IF G4S CASH STAFF STRIKE

Union warns any agency staff brought in may not have full security clearance

Cash shortages and security could be at risk during strike action, GMB Union warns in a letter to Bank of England’s Chief Cashier today (Thursday).

In the letter to The Bank, GMB asks:

Is G4S seeking agency staff without full CRB check and SIA licenses?
Has the Bank been reassured that the minimum staffing levels can be maintained?
Have there been assurances on holding excess cash – without which the risk of attacks on staff could increase?
The workers, who deliver cash and coins to the likes of Barclays, HSBC, Tesco, Wetherspoon, Santander, Asda and Aldi, returned a 97 per cent vote for industrial action. [See note 1 for full client list]

The strike is scheduled to take place from 3am on Monday 5 December 2022, sparking genuine fears of cash shortages over Christmas.

The last time G4S Cash workers voted to strike, the Bank of England is thought to have pressured G4S into improving their offer because the Bank’s insurer demands minimum staffing levels.

G4S Cash, part of Allied International, originally offered members a part pay freeze, though have now tabled an offer of 6.5 per cent.

Eamon O’Hearn, GMB National Officer, said:

“G4S Cash staff are low paid workers doing a dangerous job, transferring the cash so many of us still rely on every day.

“All they are asking for is a wage they can live on. Where they’re not worried about their bills or providing for their families.

“These staff provide a vital service. If they walk out, there is a real risk of cash shortages over the festive period.”