UNION chiefs have launched a stinging attack on the Government over its "jobs cull", which they say is forcing scores of York workers to return to the department which employed them - to sign on.

Hundreds of civil servants working in the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) have staged a two-day strike over Whitehall's continuing plans to axe thousands of department jobs across the country.

The action by the Public and Commercial Services Union (PCS) saw 360 members in York and North Yorkshire walking out.

The York area has lost 300 jobs following the closure of York Pensions Centre, and a further 110 as a result of staffing reductions within Jobcentre Plus across North Yorkshire.

Tanya Walker, the union's North Yorkshire district branch chairwoman, said that since staffing cuts were announced, numbers in North Yorkshire had fallen from about 950 to 550 in under two years.

The strike aimed to highlight why service levels within the department had "plummeted to such incredible depths", she explained, adding that it was "one of the highest walkouts by members in recent years".

The majority of those who walked out are based at Monkgate, York.

"Because of considerable staff cutbacks within our department, we have arrears of over seven to eight weeks in certain benefit situations," said Ms Walker.

"We have many staff who have been victims of this jobs cull who are now signing on in the department that has released them."

She described the situation as "ludicrous".

Ms Walker said residents had spoken to members on the picket line about lengthy delays to see or speak to staff or receive benefit.

"One individual highlighted a delay of more than seven weeks to receive a payment for Jobseekers Allowance, having been made redundant himself," she said.

"The DWP is already on its knees, yet the Government is intent on bringing in further reforms to Incapacity Benefit.

"If DWP can't cope now, how do they expect us to deliver a decent service to the public?"

But a DWP spokeswoman said: "It's business as usual. Our contingency plans worked well. The vast majority of the Department's offices are open and we are continuing to ensure our top priority - to make payments to customers - is maintained.

''Let's not forget, if we are going to meet our commitment to deliver the highest quality of service to our customers it is vital we continue with our modernisation programme. It is therefore disappointing that the PCS appear not to be moving in the same direction and seem opposed to much of the change."

Updated: 10:24 Saturday, January 28, 2006