 Driving test examiners went on strike over job cuts |
Learner drivers hoping to take their driving tests faced disruption on Monday during a 24-hour strike by nearly 2,000 examiners and other staff. The Public and Commercial Services Union (PCSU) said hundreds of test centres across the UK were affected.
The strike is over Driving Standards Agency's (DSA) restructuring plans, which the union said will lead to cuts in Edinburgh, Birmingham and London.
DSA officials estimated that about a third of tests were cancelled.
New tests
PCSU official Paul Williams said: "We remain unconvinced that the Driving Standards Agency's agenda is about road safety and believe it is more about increasing income through cutting staff and services in areas which will have a negative impact on the public.
"Whilst we have been willing to talk to DSA they have consistently refused to provide us with all the information of their plans and continue to plough on regardless."
DSA chief executive Rosemary Thew said if candidates missed an exam they would automatically be rebooked by DSA and an out-of-pocket expenses form would be sent to them along with details of the new test.
"Candidates who are unable to take their tests due to industrial action will not have to contact DSA to re-book.
"They should hear from us with a new date within five to 10 working days. We apologise for the inconvenience this will cause," she said.
The DSA, which has its headquarters in Nottingham, has denied that 80 jobs were earmarked to go due to the proposed closure of customer service centres.
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