Work and Income staff faced 1,700-plus lockdowns as MSD proposes cutting guards

MSD data released under the Official Information Act shows Work and Income staff faced thousands of security incidents and more than 1,700 lockdowns over five years. The ministry proposes cutting 22 guard positions across 22 regional offices, on top of 20 jobs reduced in March. MSD says $80 million in security upgrades makes the centres safe. The PSA's Fleur Fitzsimons says incidents are significantly underreported and the cuts should be shelved.