Strike set to scupper drive tests
Hundreds of learner drivers across the West Midlands faced the threat of having their tests cancelled today in a 24-hour strike by examiners. Almost 2,000 examiners were planning to mount picket lines across Britain.
A previous strike in July led to 726 of the day's 1,968 tests in the region being cancelled, while a work-to-rule has also disrupted tests.
The Public and Commercial Services union (PCS) is protesting at plans to axe 80 jobs and close sites in Birmingham, Edinburgh and London.
All 7,500 candidates due to take a test today were advised to turn up, otherwise they would not be able to claim compensation.
The DSA has centres in Birmingham, Cannock, Kidderminster, Lichfield, Lower Gornal, Stafford, Wednesbury and Wolverhampton.
Chief executive Rosemary Thew said: "About two-thirds of tests booked went ahead during the last day of action, so candidates should not assume their tests will be lost. The origins of the dispute lie in our plans for reorganising the agency to make best use of public money and improve safety."
PCS official Paul Williams said: "The disruption caused by today's strike could have been avoided if the DSA had responded to our suggestions to end the dispute."