Hundreds of key government workers are on strike in Kent today - causing delays and hold-ups for everyone from jobseekers to benefits claimants.

The action is part of an ongoing row with the Government over changes and cuts to pay, pensions, jobs and working conditions.

Following similar walkouts in the north of England earlier this week, around 1,800 workers from Kent are expected to join 20,000 DWP and HMRC staff in strike action across London and the South East.

Some jobcentres will be closed across the county, with most running a reduced service, unions claim.

All six of Kent’s HMRC tax offices, including those at Dover, Canterbury and Maidstone will be closed during the walkout.

The HMRC has warned people looking to pay tax or seek advice over the phone that lines will be busier than normal this week.

Andy Thomas, regional secretary for the south east said: “Like their colleagues across the civil service, our members who work in these two key departments refuse to sit back and allow the government to impose cuts to their living standards, their jobs and the vital services they provide to the public.”

The week of action across the UK comes as the Public and Commercial Services Union campaigns to stop government plans to close all 281 of HMRC’s walk-in tax advice centres, diverting enquiries to jobcentres.

It warns further civil service strike action could take place at the end of June.