STAFF working for a Government department in York have taken industrial action in protest against new “draconian” changes to rules over sickness leave.

About 75 staff at Her Majesty’s Revenue & Customs left work at 4pm on Tuesday and did not return until 10am yesterday in protest at new rules triggering management attention if staff are off more than three times in a year. Previous rules meant staff were entitled to sickness leave for five occasions a year before triggering attention.

The action was coordinated by the Public and Commercial Services Union (PCS), which states that sickness leave should be judged on an individual basis as the civil service employs a “higher proportion of older people, women and people with disabilities” than the private sector. PCS members are currently being balloted for strike action on June 30 over pension changes, job cuts, office closures and a pay freeze.

A spokesman for HM Revenue & Customs said: “HMRC is disappointed with the decision to disrupt the working day and will do everything it can to maintain services to the public. HMRC will continue to talk to the unions to address their concerns regarding this change. The wellbeing of our staff is of paramount importance. However, HMRC’s attendance record must be tackled urgently in the interests of both staff and customers.”

HMRC has offices in Piccadilly and St Saviour Place in York.