Civil servants to step up strike action

Striking civil servants were preparing to step up industrial action in the North today.

Staff at the planning office in Belfast are joining in the 35-week dispute, meaning planning applications for Belfast and Greater Belfast will be hit.

Their colleagues at the planning office in Omagh will stop work on Tuesday.

John Corey, Northern Ireland Public Service Alliance General Secretary, said action would continue by staff at the Department of Agriculture, which will affect farmers' grants.

“We are reviewing the position with MOT centres and that action could be suspended provided we receive certain assurances from government,” he added.

Last week, NIPSA rejected a fresh offer from the British government of 4.65% over 16 months but agreed to take part in discussions with Northern Ireland officials.

NIO Minister Barry Gardiner who announced details of the pay package insisted the deal was good for the civil service and urged workers to accept it.

But Mr Corey replied that the deal was unacceptable and vowed the dispute would continue.