PCS Union at DBT (ex-DIT)

We are the biggest union representing staff at the Department for Business and Trade (@biztradegovuk). Join us for higher pay, job security and support

[PCS - the civil service union @pcs_union]

Breaking! Press Release from @pcs_union

The Department for Business and Trade (DBT) has told staff it will slash frontline support for UK business exports, with serious risks of widespread redundancies and office closures in England and Scotland.

The Public and Commercial Services (PCS) union has been informed by the DBT of plans to reduce support for exports and access to emerging markets.

Made hastily and without meaningful consultation with unions or business groups, the proposed cuts are set to impact frontline UK business export support and its international network of export support staff*.

They come in the context of overall planned cuts of 20% to DBT by April 2027.

An all-staff consultation period has now begun with the structures as part of the Department’s 'Future DBT' plan. A detailed rationale or business case has not been made available for cutting the 600 overseas roles and 900 UK roles (decreasing DBT headcount from 8,000 headcount to 6,500).

There are also plans to close DBT offices in Bristol, and possibly also in Glasgow, Leeds, Newcastle, Cambridge, and Nottingham.

Further, DBT is gambling on AI and other digital solutions though it is unclear how these will replace the important role DBT staff play in enabling UK businesses to access international trade shows, making business introductions, and striking deals with partner governments.

PCS general secretary Fran Heathcote said: “PCS is completely opposed to DBT’s job cuts and office closures. Our hard-working members actively improve UK business at home and abroad.

"These Labour cuts will mean significant compulsory redundancies, far higher than expected under the previous government. And they will obviously cause real damage to businesses and individuals.

“We want to see investment in trade to grow the economy for the good of all. DBT has planned hastily and without proper consultation. Instead, ministers and managers must listen to unions, business groups and devolved authorities. PCS will absolutely oppose these irrational and arbitrary cuts.”

[IWGB Universities of London @IWGBUoL]

Solidarity from the IWGB Universities branch to outsourced workers in the civil service on strike ✊

[PCS Union at DBT (ex-DIT) @PCS_DIT]

Ballot papers to update our strike action mandate will be going out from today. Please do send them in asap and let us know you’ve sent them 🙏

[PCS Union members in Whitehall 🚩💚✊🏾 @Whitehall_TU]

Another great turnout on the picket line at 1 Victoria Street this morning #PCSonStrike #WalkoutWednesday #WorkersStandTogether

[PCS Union at DBT (ex-DIT) @PCS_DIT]

DBT out picketing our HQ in London and offices in Edinburgh. All entrances covered! #PCSonStrike

[PCS Union at DBT (ex-DIT) @PCS_DIT]

We’re holding two all member meetings. One on Friday and another on Monday. Please check your emails for registration details. We’ll be covering next Wednesday’s strike and other topics

[Kay Burley @KayBurley]

Jacob Rees-Mogg says we don't need this many civil servants

You don't want to miss what PCS' Mark Serwotka has to say in response. 👇🏼

#KayBurley FC

[Enough is Enough @eiecampaign]

“We are the working class. We are back, we are demanding change and we are going to win for our people.”

- @RMTunion Mick Lynch addresses 40,000 striking workers today

#EnoughIsEnough

[PCS Union at DBT (ex-DIT) @PCS_DIT]

The @pcs_union strike today has been the best recruiting tool in the @tradegovuk branch’s history. This week we’ve had over 20 new members join us as new members. Lots of colleagues very disappointed at the lack of govt response to our asks for inflation matching pay rises

[PCS Union at DBT (ex-DIT) @PCS_DIT]

We were here! Great turnout!

[Enough is Enough @eiecampaign]

Massive turnout in London today to support striking workers 👊

The message to the government is clear:

#EnoughlsEnough

[PCS Union at DBT (ex-DIT) @PCS_DIT]

A beautiful sunny day to be out picketing today! With great turnout from our members on the picket lines at OAB. All entrances covered at @tradegovuk @pcs_union #strikes #PCSonStrike

[PCS Union at DBT (ex-DIT) @PCS_DIT]

We’re ready to picket today! We’ll be outside our HQ in London and several other DIT offices around the country! Civil Servants deserve a pay rise after over a decade of real terms pay cuts #PCSonStrike #BlameTheGovt #RightToStrike

[PCS - the civil service union @pcs_union]

"My DWP manager is sating I have to tell them if I am on strike - not true."
This and other management myths about strike action answered at 6pm this evening
More details and registration here: https://t.co/Ssvd4aEh54
#pcsonstrike #BlameTheGovt #RightToStrike

[PCS Campaigns @campaigns_pcs]

Today @pcs_union alongside several other public sector unions are in court fighting for a judicial review of the decision taken by Govt to block pension changes in favour of public sector pension schemes

The fight for pension justice goes on ✊🏼

[PCS - the civil service union @pcs_union]

PCS and five other unions will be in court on 31 January seeking a judicial review of the government’s decision not to reduce members’ pension contributions, as recommended by the Advisory Board in April 2019.
https://t.co/QcmhcsAmKZ

[PCS Union at DBT (ex-DIT) @PCS_DIT]

If you are travelling with work can you still go on strike? Yes, even if overseas!

[PCS Union at DBT (ex-DIT) @PCS_DIT]

A Q&A thread on the upcoming industrial action on 1 Feb. Will update as we get questions from members! Reply / dm

First! Are we going on strike? Yes, both DIT and Trade Remedies Authority staff voted in favour of industrial action

[PCS Union at DBT (ex-DIT) @PCS_DIT]

You should not check in with your manager or employer on the day of the strike! You are not entitled to pay on a strike day, so you will have to log it afterwards. You can ask your mama get about it after the strike! Remember, strikes are supposed to be disruptive!

[PCS Union at DBT (ex-DIT) @PCS_DIT]

If you’ve told your employer / manager that you’ll be in on the day of the strike can you change your mind on the day? yes!

[PCS Union at DBT (ex-DIT) @PCS_DIT]

Looking forward to our meeting with members today, we’ll be answering their questions on the strike on 1st Feb

[PCS Union at DBT (ex-DIT) @PCS_DIT]

A Q&A thread on the upcoming industrial action on 1 Feb. Will update as we get questions from members! Reply / dm

First! Are we going on strike? Yes, both DIT and Trade Remedies Authority staff voted in favour of industrial action