Watford Jobcentre security guards "deserve a proper living wage" as they went on strike over pay today, a trade union has said.

It is the second of four strike dates in May organised by the union GMB, which said that more than 1,000 staff are estimated to be taking part nationwide.

The dispute is over what the GMB has called a “below-inflation pay offer” from government contractor G4S, which means nearly 70 per cent of the security guards are now only paid the minimum wage, according to the union.

Eamon O’Hearn, national officer for the union, said said: “These security guards work hard in a difficult, demanding and often dangerous job.

“They deserve a proper, living wage for what they do. G4S seem unwilling to provide that, so workers are taking matters into their own hands.”

Striking staff were videoed outside the jobcentre in Exchange Road today (May 13) as they chanted: “What do we want? Fair pay. When do we want it? Now.”

The security guards are employed by G4S to work at the Department for Work and Pensions and receive the National Living Wage of £11.44 an hour if they are aged 21 and over.

Around 70 jobcentres were reportedly unable to provide the usual services as a result of the previous industrial action on May 7, or roughly 10 per cent of the total, and more strikes are planned for May 20 and across two days on May 28 and 29. 

A G4S spokesperson said: "We're disappointed that the GMB has refused to take our improved pay offer to their members. We are continuing to try to reach an amicable agreement, and have implemented contingency plans to minimise disruption to our customer.

"G4S is complying with the law regarding agency staff during the ongoing industrial action."

A DWP spokesperson said: "DWP payments are not affected by the strike action by external G4S staff who work in our jobcentres and most sites remain open. If a site is closed, we are contacting customers if appointments need to be rescheduled or moved to alternative locations."