The Public & Commercial Services (PCS) union has confirmed that strike action will not end on 14 February as originally planned, with six additional days of action planned at Benton Park View in Newcastle, with action now set to continue until 14 March.

A group of more than 250 members working at HMRC’s Newcastle site have been striking since 23 December, affecting key employer helplines.

The action was called following the sacking of three trade union reps, Rachel Farmer, Gordon Askew and Joel Hamilton, who were dismissed by HMRC last year. PCS said it ‘remains steadfast in our demand to have our three reps reinstated’.

The strike action, scheduled for an additional six days will take place from 7am to 9am, and is being taken by staff working on employer services phonelines.

At the picket line on Thursday, strikers were joined by members of the HMRC GEC, supporters from Newcastle Trades Council and Department of Work and Pensions union reps from the Tyneside and Northumbria branch.

HMRC said phonelines and webchat will be open 8am-6pm as usual but employers ‘may wait longer than usual to speak to an adviser’ due to the industrial action.

When calling the affected helplines, a recorded message recommends ‘if you can, you should use our online services rather than waiting to speak to us on the phone’.

HMRC is keeping the opening hours and service levels under review and will provide updates in advance of any changes by updating gov.uk and the recorded message that callers hear when they reach the helpline. 

Strike dates at Benton Park View

• Friday, 14 February (main gate)
• Wednesday, 19 February (main gate)
• Tuesday, 25 February (main gate)
• Wednesday, 26 February (Ainthorpe)
• Tuesday, 4 March (Ainthorpe)
• Wednesday, 5 March (main gate)
• Friday, 14 March (Ainthorpe).