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PCS warned that the creation of the Child Maintenance and Enforcement Commission (CMEC) could be undermined as it responded to the publication of today's House of Commons, Committee of Public Accounts report, into the implementation of child support reforms.

The union echoed the committee's concerns that there was a lack of clarity how the new commission would regain the confidence of the public and warned that the formation of CMEC and ongoing work to clear backlogs would be undermined if there were insufficient resources and continuing IT problems.

The union also echoed the committee's criticisms of the massive failure of the IT system, which resulted in huge backlogs and dedicated staff close to breakdown as they have tried to provide a service without the tools to do the job.

The union also expressed concerns that the implications of the reforms on the workforce - who have battled on with one hand tied behind their back - remain unclear with uncertainty over working terms, conditions and locations.

The union went on to raise fears that EDS IT problems and shortcomings weren't being addressed by or for CMEC.

Commenting, Mark Serwotka, PCS general secretary said: "There is a real danger that child support reforms will be undermined from the start if there are insufficient resources and if the historical problems of failing IT that created backlogs and pushed staff to the point of breakdown aren't addressed. To avoid the child support reforms simply becoming a re- branding exercise, the government need to ensure that both CMEC and the CSA are properly resourced and that staff have the tools to do the job."