LEARNER drivers in Redditch had their tests cancelled after examiners joined hundreds of colleagues across the country in strike action.

The industrial action comes amid a row between the Public and Commercial Services (PCS) union and the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) about changes to working times and conditions.

Members of the PCS said the changes, which would require extra tests to be carried out, would make their jobs more dangerous as many tests would be taking place in the dark or in unsuitable conditions.

They say more staff will be required to work unpaid in their own time to keep up with a growing work load, and point out examiners are already carrying out seven exams a day so being required to do extra would be "disastrous".

Four examiners walked out on strike at the Redditch-based centre in ? which led to the cancellation of tests during the 48 hour strike over November 19 and 20.

There was also disruption in the county as Worcester testing centre had to cancel 42 tests.

Steward Williams, the PCS's representative for Worcestershire, said: "Our members are against the changes.

"Examiners already do seven tests a day - the introduction of an extra one will lead to tiredness and fatigue. There is a potential risk to candidates too."

DVSA chief executive, Paul Satoor, said: “We are doing everything we can to minimise disruption to customers.

"Staff signed up to a new standard employment contract in April 2014 in exchange for a lump-sum payment and a three year pay deal.

"This was agreed with the trade unions, and included transitional payments which came to an end on November 1.

"It is disappointing that the trade unions have now chosen to oppose some aspects of the contract and the more flexible working options.”