AN INDUSTRIAL dispute over staff safety at a new state-of-the-art job centre could spread to other offices throughout the region.

Four weeks after 25 staff at Orchard House, Penny Street, Blackburn, joined colleagues throughout the UK in a national strike, Public and Commercial Services Union bosses are now balloting their 70,000 members in a bid to extend the action to all benefit agency employees.

The new centre, known as Job Centre Plus, brings together employment, pensions and other benefits under one roof, using computer technology and Internet access in an open-plan office.

However, the striking workers are demanding more security screening from potentially violent clients.

Around 25 staff out of a total workforce of 70 at Orchard House have been on strike since the centre opened on September 22. They joined hundreds of protesters at 55 offices throughout the country and two other sites in North West England.

If the strike ballot is accepted when it closes on November 23, 300 PCS members will take part in a rolling campaign of disruptive action, at the region's job centres in Colne, Nelson, Bacup, Rawtenstall and Clitheroe.

Benefit offices at Burnley, Accrington and Blackburn would also be affected.

When the centre opened four weeks ago, Pensions minister Ian McCartney told the Telegraph the more relaxed environment would reduce tensions and create a better worker environment.

He said: "You can never be 100 per cent sure, but our pilots have shown this new environment dramatically reduces verbal and physical attacks on staff. Most people do not want to be talked to from behind a screen.

"All staff will have access to personal alarms and CCTV and we will operate a zero-tolerance policy against anyone who causes problems."

But Penny Street PCS rep Mick Devine said his members were on strike because his members did not want to spend their working days "looking over their shoulder" for attackers .

Mr Devine said: "Part of the job involves telling sick, disturbed and disabled people they are to have have their benefit payments suspended or reduced. Who knows how they will react?

"We believe there have been more problems throughout the UK since this new system came in. CCTV coverage is not going to protect our members during an attack.

"Since we have been on strike in Blackburn, they have had to cancel two training courses for staff and there have been more queues at the reception point.

"But we believe in what we are doing. It is 100 per cent worth it. And I expect the ballot to be a yes vote for industrial action."

A spokesman for the Government department of Work and Pensions said discussions about the dispute were ongoing.

He said: "The Government has taken the issue of staff safety very seriously and have involved staff and the issue right from the start. In every office, we have retained screened provision to cope with those customers who need to be handled in screened areas.

"Regular discussions have taken place with the health and safety executive and the risk assessments will be reviewed after a brief period of live running.

"Trade unions will be consulted, as usual, during the process and the PCS is aware of the position."