Driving test examiners could strike over jobs

Around 1,800 examiners and admin staff employed by the Driving Standards Agency will take part in the ballot, with results expected in a few weeks.

The PCS union said members were angry at plans to close offices in Edinburgh, London and Birmingham, which they say will lead to 80 job losses.

But DSA chief executive Rosemary Thew denied 80 jobs were earmarked to go.

'No decision'

She said: "We are in consultation with the PCS and no decisions have been taken.

It is difficult to see how service levels and road safety standards won't be compromised by these plans Mark Serwotka

"We have given a commitment to work with the union throughout the summer to look at what work may be available to those staff affected by these proposals."

She dismissed claims the proposed changes would affect road safety, saying the whole purpose of the reorganisation was to allow the agency to become more involved in safety issues.

And she said the move would not lead to longer waiting times for driving tests.

PCS general secretary Mark Serwotka said: "It is difficult to see how service levels and road safety standards won't be compromised by these plans.

"Members are understandably angry and this ballot gives them an opportunity to send out a clear message that they will not accept the plans."

PCS union official Paul Williams said the agency was "embroiled in a race to cut jobs and reduce costs".

The union would resist "any attempt to close offices and change working practices which impact on the public service, our members and road safety standards", he added.

The union says there is also anger over �300,000 spent on a consultants' report which recommended the planned changes.