Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
The Independent UK
The Independent UK
National
Alan Jones

Why Westminster security guards are striking on New Year’s Eve

Westminster (Facility)
  • Industrial action in 2025 is set to conclude with strikes on New Year's Eve by security guards at the Palace of Westminster and cleaning staff on the Docklands Light Railway (DLR).
  • Approximately 300 Public and Commercial Services (PCS) union members, who provide security at the Palace of Westminster, will strike for the fourth time this year over pay, terms and conditions.
  • PCS general secretary Fran Heathcote criticised the employer for reducing annual leave and offering an insulting cash offer to the security staff.
  • Cleaning staff on the DLR will also strike on New Year's Eve in a separate dispute over pay, with RMT general secretary Eddie Dempsey calling for services to be brought in-house and for proper sick pay.
  • These upcoming strikes contribute to a persistent wave of industrial action seen throughout 2025, despite the Labour government's efforts to mend industrial relations.

IN FULL

Palace of Westminster security staff among workers set to strike on New Year’s Eve

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
35-year-old Texas woman ‘grossly abused tanning beds’ in her teens. This $8 serum from Trader Joe’s has saved her from ‘crepey neck’
A Texas woman says she was considering a pricey laser treatment for crepey skin on her neck, a result of tanning beds two decades earlier. However, an $8 serum from Trader Joe’s may have fixed her concern and saved her thousands.
The Mary Sue
The Mary Sue
Justin Bieber's 'Silent Like' On Selena Gomez Throwback Reignites Old Hailey Drama — And Fans Are Losing It
Justin Bieber's cryptic interaction with a Selena Gomez post reignites fan speculation over Hailey tensions and the enduring Jelena legacy, despite denials of any ongoing feud.
International Business Times UK
International Business Times UK
Taylor Swift Allegedly Pregnant, Signed a Prenup With Touching Promise to Travis Kelce
Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce's engagement sparks fan excitement, but viral TikTok pregnancy rumours remain unverified as the couple shares plans while focusing on their future family and wedding.
International Business Times UK
International Business Times UK
Finn Wolfhard’s SNL debut mocks Stranger Things finale theories as fans slam ‘unnecessary’ joke
Gaten Matarazzo and Caleb McLaughlin joined Wolfhard in the sketch
The Independent UK
The Independent UK
My week avoiding ultra-processed foods: ‘Why is it this hard?’
Ultra-processed foods have been linked to various health issues, but are a ubiquitous part of the modern western diet. Can Emma Joyce avoid them for a whole week?
The Guardian - AU
The Guardian - AU
Matt Damon and Ben Affleck confirm bleak, bizarre rumour about Netflix original movies
The stars of the Netflix action movie ‘The Rip’ may have just let slip a big secret about the way the streaming platform tells stories
The Independent UK
The Independent UK
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.
Download on the AppStore Get it on Google Play