Mark Whitehead Friday, August 2, 2024

Union calls on Kirklees to reverse customer service centre closures

Union calls on Kirklees to reverse customer service centre closures image
Image: Alastair Wallace/shutterstock.com

Unison has called on Kirklees Council to reverse its 'disastrous' decision to close customer service centres.

The council announced in February that two centres in Huddersfield and Dewsbury would close and be integrated into Kirklees' libraries.

The union warned the move could have a negative impact on elderly and vulnerable residents.

The council said demand for the services had fallen and reassured residents they would still be able to access the support needed.

The decision to close the customer service centres comes as part of the council's cost-saving measures and could affect up to 40 jobs.

In February the authority said it needed to save more than £47m to avoid having to declare itself effectively bankrupt.

Dewsbury's customer services team had already moved into the town's library due to maintenance works at its original site.

Unison branch secretary Mick Donoghue told a council meeting of the negative impact the closures and service changes would have on domestic abuse victims and other vulnerable people.

A petition with more than 2,000 signatures has also been submitted calling on the council to reverse its decision.

A council spokesperson said it had observed an increase in people accessing services online since the pandemic.

'The new offer will mean customers can still be enabled to access the support they need – online or in person- but this will be from within the libraries staff team.'

Designing for cohesion image

Designing for cohesion

Tom Fairey, Development Director at Alliance Leisure, discusses how community spaces can strengthen local connections.
SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Director of Highways, Waste and Environment

North Northamptonshire Council
£97,632 - £108,033 (subject to additional pay award)
North Northamptonshire is a place of scale, ambition and ongoing transformation. Northampton, Northamptonshire
Recuriter: North Northamptonshire Council

Director of Public Health & Leisure

Brent Council
£135,000
Brent is brimming with ambition and opportunity. Brent, London (Greater)
Recuriter: Brent Council

Head of Property & Regeneration

Swansea Council
£88,633 - £100,994
We are seeking to appoint an outstanding and experienced professional Swansea (Abertawe)
Recuriter: Swansea Council

Strategic Director – Adults and Public Health

Ealing London Borough Council
£180k
We are looking for an ambitious, visible and collaborative leader who can help shape the future of adult social care Ealing, London (Greater)
Recuriter: Ealing London Borough Council

Service Directors - Inclusive Education, Family Help and Skills

Shropshire Council
£107k - £112k
Over recent months, we’ve moved from announcing a financial emergency into a period of recovery. Shropshire
Recuriter: Shropshire Council
Linkedin Banner