MORE civil service strikes could be in the pipeline following a day-long action.

Around 400 Bromley trade union members took part in the strike in protest against threatened job cuts.

Organised by the Public and Commercial Services Union (PCS), it was the latest action taken in response to Government plans to cut 100,000 civil service jobs.

According to the 60 per cent of members who voted in favour of the strike, key services will suffer across the country if the plans, which were announced in July 2004, are implemented.

In Bromley, job centre and benefit office workers from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) joined thousands picketing across the UK on January 31, leaving many offices with the bare minimum of staff.

Nick Diamantis, who is the PCS DWP branch secretary for Bromley and Croydon, says the action was a success, but warns more could be on the way.

He said: "It went very well and we had a lot of public support.

"The decision to strike was not taken lightly. We have been negotiating with the Government for two years and it hasn't taken any notice."

He added: "Our members have had enough. They have demonstrated this by staying away in large numbers.

"I would say most offices were operating with unsafe levels of cover.

"Hopefully this action will get the Goverment back to the negotiating table."

The strike was followed by a two-week overtime ban which also affects services including driving exams and courts.

Mr Diamantis added: "Our argument is if we had more staff we wouldn't need to work overtime, our members would not need the recompense.

"It may take more action before we bring the Government back to the table and we have more action planned if necessary."