HUNDREDS of jobcentre staff went out on strike in protest over new measures to create a more open working environment.
They believe safety will be compromised by proposed Jobcentre Plus offices, which will merge jobcentres and benefit offices.
Screens would be removed, despite attacks in Harlesden, Highgate and Balham, and members of the Public and Commercial Services Union (PCS) walked out for 48 hours on Monday.
Harrow and Uxbridge union branch spokesman Jason Lansbury said:"It would be even easier for people to attack staff under the new measures. We fear there will be more strikes because management is not prepared to listen to us."
A Benefits Agency spokesman said: "The merger of jobcentres and benefit offices aims to provide a service in a predominantly unscreened environment. Other measures would be taken to promote safety."
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