JOBCENTRE security guards in Bradford are among those who have walked out in a 24-hour strike in a dispute over pay.

The GMB said more than 1,000 of its members employed by G4S walked out from midnight on Tuesday, with further stoppages planned for later in the month.

There is a picket line outside the Jobcentre on Manningham Lane.

The union said a survey of its members found that four out of five had been the victim of abuse in their jobs, including being attacked by dogs, and punched by members of the public.

Many described verbal abuse on a daily basis, including threats to their families, racist abuse and death threats.

Further strikes will take place on May 13, 20, 28 and 29.

Eamon O’Hearn, GMB national officer, said: “G4S and the Department for Work and Pensions are happy to let guards scrape by on the minimum wage.

“Yet these shocking survey results really bring home the terrifying pressure these guards work under.”

“It’s not good enough – and for the first time guards are standing together to do something about it.”

A G4S spokesperson said: “We’re disappointed that the GMB have 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.”