DOZENS of staff from the Charity Commission in Taunton went on strike on Wednesday to protest over job cuts, pay and privatisation.

123 staff took part in the action, with several picketing the gates of the Tangier offices.

The action was part of a one-day national strike organised by the Public and Commercial Services Union.

Jane Grenfell, who went on strike, said: "This is the second one-day strike we have held over funding cuts, work conditions and pay and it has been exceedingly well supported by the staff.

"It comes after the Charity Commission imposed a below inflation pay award, after it was rejected by a ballot of PCS members.

"They have refused to discuss the matter and so staff have voted to strike."

The staff are also concerned about increased workloads due to funding cuts and expected job losses.

Mrs Grenfell said: "Because funding has been cut jobs are going to go, therefore more work is being put on the remaining staff.

"We hope they will take notice of the strike."

A spokesman for the Charity Commission said: "Just over 60% of the Commission's staff are in the PCS union and the majority of members attended the strike on Tuesday.

"While the commission worked hard to minimise the disruption caused to our customers, it was necessary to close our contact centre in Liverpool.

"This is a national dispute and discussions between Cabinet Office and the PCS have been underway to address the current concerns of the trade unions on jobs and pay."