Mark Whitehead 02 August 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.'

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Deputy Headteacher

Durham County Council
£66,368 - £73,105
Permanent Contract - Full Time - N.O.R. 341 Required for April 2027 or earlier (if possible)   Due to the promotion of the current post holder, an exc Seaham
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Bereavement Officer

Durham County Council
Grade 8 £33,673 - £37,563 pro rata
Are you a compassionate, organised and customer-focused professional with the ability to support families and communities during some of life's most d Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Shared Planning Lawyer

Broxbourne Borough Council
Up to £68,506 pa
Are you a focused, enthusiastic team player who enjoys a varied and interesting caseload? Borough Offices, Bishops’ College, Churchgate, Cheshunt
Recuriter: Broxbourne Borough Council

Families First Partnership Manager

Nottingham City Council
£58,602 - £62,109
As Families First Partnership Manager, you will play a pivotal role in leading Nottingham’s Families First approach Nottingham, Nottinghamshire
Recuriter: Nottingham City Council

Experts at Hand Co-ordinator

London Borough of Richmond upon Thames and London Borough of Wandsworth
£42,081 - £50,994 per annum
Experts at Hand Co-ordinator
Recuriter: London Borough of Richmond upon Thames and London Borough of Wandsworth
Linkedin Banner