STAFF went on strike at Huddersfield Jobcentre Plus today - as part of a nationwide two-day stoppage over pay.
Picket lines were mounted at jobcentres and benefit agency offices across Yorkshire.
Up to 85,000 members of the Public and Commercial Services Union began the 48-hour walkout following the collapse of pay talks.
The Department for Work and Pensions described the strike as "indefensible" and said contingency plans were in place to minimise disruption.
The union said early indications were that the stoppage was being solidly supported by workers in the region.
A spokeswoman for Huddersfield Jobcentre Plus said some staff were on strike, but the office was open as normal.
A spokesman for the Department of Work and Pensions said it was too early to assess the impact of the strike across the Yorkshire region.
But he said: "We have comprehensive plans in place and are confident that we can minimise the impact of industrial action on our customers."
Mark Serwotka, PCS general secretary, called on Government ministers to get involved in the dispute to help break the deadlock.
Workers' anger was worsened by reports today that a Government inquiry into the Civil Service will recommend 80,000 job cuts.
Mr Serwotka said the union would oppose any moves to cut jobs - claiming they would hit vital services such as the New Deal, immigration control and Customs.
He said any job losses in the Civil Service would be "completely unacceptable".
He said: "Last week, it was Tory leader Michael Howard warning of a recruitment freeze and now civil servants are facing another kick in the teeth.
"We will oppose any cuts and we call on ministers to engage in dialogue as a matter of urgency."
Driving test examiners will strike tomorrow in a separate row over pay which the PCS warned will mean cancelling up to 5,000 tests in England, Scotland and Wales.
