Overview

• The PCS union is balloting over 700 Ofgem employees in Glasgow, London, and Cardiff for potential strike action over pay and staffing concerns.
• Union representatives claim Ofgem salaries are nearly 20% lower than those at the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero, leading to high turnover and operational strain.
• Staff shortages reportedly hinder Ofgem’s ability to regulate energy providers effectively and manage consumer energy bills.
• Ofgem recently raised the energy price cap, increasing average household bills by £111 to £1,849 annually, with further hikes expected to fund net zero grid upgrades.
• The dispute occurs as public sector unions across the UK push for pay increases and as new legislation is set to lower thresholds for lawful strikes.