Strike action by civil servants will slow the housing market in Scotland down, a leading agent warns.

Members of the Public and Commercial Services (PCS) union are set to walk out on 1 February, and this will include workers at the Registers of Scotland (ROS).

David Alexander, CEO at DJ Alexander Scotland, says the strike will likely delay property deals.

“While it is understandable that members of the PCS union feel the need to take action to secure higher wages it is inevitable that this will impact on the speed at which property transactions can be carried out.

“While this is just a one day strike it is inevitable there will be more if their pay demands are not met.”

“Homebuyers and sellers must be made aware by their selling agent of any potential delays in the buying and selling process,” he says.

At least the strike was due to take place at a traditionally quiet time for the market, he adds.

Last resort

Around 100,000 civil servants are demanding a 10% pay rise and better pensions. The strike is set to hit services provided by 124 government departments, including Land Registry, the Department for Work and Pensions and the Home Office.

Another 33,000 civil servants from another five departments, including those at HMRC, are being reballoted for strike action next week.

The Government has refused to discuss our demands.”

“Industrial action is a last resort. But so far, the Government has refused to discuss our demands. 100,000 PCS members on strike on 1 February will increase the pressure on the Government,” a PCS spokesperson says.