STRIKE action is set to hit three government departments today as cleaners, security guards and support staff began a second five-day stoppage over pay. 

The staff, employed by contractor ISS, work across the departments for Energy Security and Net Zero, Business and Trade and Science, Innovation and Technology. 

The strike involves almost 100 workers who have rejected a pay increase of 2.2 per cent — inflation is 6.8 per cent.

PCS said the workers are angry that ISS “appears uninterested in resolving the dispute.” 

The union’s general secretary Mark Serwotka said: “We haven’t had a meeting with ISS for months, which is insulting. 

“Our members are working alongside people earning more money, on better terms and conditions, while the company is making a vast profit at their expense.

“It’s time for ISS to pay our members a fair wage and time for the government to end outsourcing and the resulting two-tier workforce.” 

ISS was invited to comment.