VITAL services in Worcester could grind to a halt this week when a two-day strike is staged by staff demanding extra pay.

If union bosses fail to reach an agreement by Wednesday a two-day strike will ensue - which could see law courts being forced to close, as well as JobCentres and benefit offices.

The strike could affect thousands of people in the city who may not be able to claim their benefit, find a new job, or attend court hearings.

The planned strike will be staged by members of the Public and Commercial Services (PCS) union.

This includes staff at Worcester's JobCentre, in Sansome Street, and benefits office, in Farrier Street, and the strike could force the closure of both offices, officials have warned.

Courts in the city could also be affected by the industrial action, which is being taken by civil servants across the country following the breakdown of negotiations between the PCS and the Government over low pay.

"We anticipate that the JobCentre and the benefits office will be closed for those days," said Colin Jones, secretary for Hereford and Worcester's PCS branch representing Department of Work and Pensions staff.

"The action seems to be well supported. You never know until the day but I haven't heard many people saying they aren't going out.

"They are just brassed off with the wage increase offer which is absolutely ridiculous. We are offered 2.76 per cent while the rates are going through the roof. People have got families to support and we need to make a statement to our employers."

However, the DWP played down fears that services will be brought to a halt.

"I understand that talks are still taking place but if next Thursday and Friday some staff do go out on strike, then all offices have contingency plans to make sure the impact on services is minimised," a spokesman said.

"Any decision about how the situation will be dealt with will be made on the day."

The Department for Constitutional Affairs, which oversees the running of the judicial system, said it was preparing "to ensure any disruption of service to the public is minimised".

"We will focus efforts on maintaining essential services, such as criminal and family hearings in courts," added a spokeswoman.