Fujitsu staff set to down tools on Friday

Fujitsu's latest offer was rejected by 83 per cent of Unite members

UK workers at computing giant Fujitsu are finally set to strike in what union Unite claims will be the first ever national strike at a UK IT company over jobs, pay and pensions.

In a statement released last Friday, Unite said the strike action would take place this coming Friday and then continue in the New Year on the 7, 8, 11, 14 and 15 January.

The strike is over proposed redundancies, a pay freeze imposed earlier this year, and plans to close the main final salary pension scheme to future accrual, reducing the total pay package of each affected employee by about 20 per cent, said Unite.

Fujitsu staff were set to down tools in early November over the same grievances, but Unite called the three-day strike off at the last minute, citing "constructive talks".

However, the resulting offer from Fujitsu was rejected by 83 per cent of members.

“While we remain ready and willing to talk at any time, this further rejection of the company’s position leaves no doubt - our members are saying enough is enough," said Unite joint general secretary Derek Simpson.

“We recognise the effect any industrial action will have on key private and public sector customers and clients of Fujitsu, but the responsibility for this rests squarely with the company for failing to address the issues.”