Security guards have gone on strike at Jobcentres in a dispute over pay and working conditions.

The G4S workers, members of the GMB union, have taken action across the UK including at offices in Glasgow.

Branches at Partick, Springburn, Shettleston , Airdrie, Cumbernauld and Paisley were affected by the walk out.

The 24-hour stoppage is part of a long running dispute over a pay offer that the union said means 70% of workers are paid the minimum wage.

The union said the security firm has earned huge sums from the DWP and should agree to a settlement.

GMB said the firm has pocketed tens of millions of pounds in public money and can afford to pay the guards a fair wage.

It has produced figures to show G4S received £50m from the taxpayer since the dispute started.

GMB said the firm has received £211m since December 2022 from the Department of Work and Pensions.

It said the employment costs are £161m, leaving £50m.

Eamon O’Hearn, GMB National Officer, said: “Job Centre security guards are eking out a living on just above the minimum wage, despite facing horrific violence and abuse while on the job.

“Yet now we can see their employer G4S is scooping a tidy amount of taxpayer cash by paying them so badly. 

“G4S can afford to pay these workers what they deserve – unless they do they are going to face a prolonged period of industrial action.” 

The union also said that members were also regularly facing violence and abuse in the course of their job.

More than 1000 workers were involved in strike action across the country with other dates planned this month.

When the strike was announced G4S said: "We're disappointed that the GMB have refused to take our improved pay offer to their members.

"We are continuing to try to reach an amicable agreement, and have implemented contingency plans to minimise disruption to our customer."