CHRISTMAS benefit payments could be delayed until after the holidays as agency staff across Gwent begin a two-day strike today.

Hundreds of Gwent workers with the Department of Work and Pensions voted to strike in support of colleagues in Bridgend who are protesting against working without security screens.

All those taking industrial action are members of the PCS (Public and Commercial Services) Union.

The government has urged the strikers to reconsider, saying that 'vulnerable people' who depend on benefits will suffer.

Union bosses say 386 serious attacks on staff have already been reported this year.

Ian Pickford, Gwent regional co-ordinator said that the strike was unavoidable.

He said: "The government is piloting the creation of Jobcentre Plus Pathfinder offices by joining Benefits Agency and Job Centres.

"This means security screens at Benefits Agencies have been removed, where the actual payment of benefits is dealt with and where claimants become irate and violent.

"Violent incidents happen almost daily in Gwent and our members do not want to deal with unhappy claimants without protective screens."

Mr Pickford added that more strike actions are planned for the new year as they try to convince the govern plans.

He said: "Benefit cheques could well be delayed, which is unfortunate, but we have to show the strength of our feelings and our support for those working in Bridgend."

Non-union members and those members who voted against the strike are expected to keep the offices open today and tomorrow.

The Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, Alistair Darling, called the dispute "pointless".

He said: "Staff and customer safety is of paramount concern and the experience of staff working face to face with customers reinforces my view that Jobcentre Plus is the right thing to do.

"And it will be done - new offices will open throughout the country in 2002. This is a pointless dispute that is damaging to staff and customers.

"We will do all we can to maintain benefit payments but a strike will hit vulnerable people, many of whom depend entirely on the DWP for their income."