Met Police Civilian Staff Vote for First-Ever Strike Over Reduced Remote Work Options

Union members overwhelmingly back industrial action after managers reverse hybrid work agreements, citing disproportionate impacts on women, part-time workers, and employees with disabilities.

The Public and Commercial Services (PCS) union reported that 85% of members voted for strike action, with 91% supporting other forms of industrial action.
The policy change requires civilian staff to increase their in-office days, with some moving from two to three days and others transitioning to full-time office work.
Approximately 2,400 civilian employees, including 999 call handlers and child protection officers, are affected by the shift, which the union says will disproportionately harm women, part-time workers, and those with disabilities.
Metropolitan Police leadership defended the policy as necessary for consistency and community service, while the union argues staff are just as productive working remotely.
If the strike proceeds, it could mark the first industrial action in the history of Met Police civilian staff, potentially impacting critical support roles for frontline officers.