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

Director of Digital, Data and Technology

Tower Hamlets London Borough Council
£139,000 per annum
Shape the future of a digitally enabled borough Tower Hamlets, London (Greater)
Recuriter: Tower Hamlets London Borough Council

Director of Adult Social Care Commissioning

Tower Hamlets London Borough Council
£130,000 per annum
Transforming outcomes through integrated commissioning Tower Hamlets, London (Greater)
Recuriter: Tower Hamlets London Borough Council

Director of Adult Social Care

Tower Hamlets London Borough Council
£145,000 per annum
Leading innovative, strengths-based social care that enables residents to live fulfilling and independent lives Tower Hamlets, London (Greater)
Recuriter: Tower Hamlets London Borough Council

Director of People & Organisational Development

Sussex & Brighton Strategic Authority
Up to £120,000 per annum
Design the people foundations of a new organisation before they become someone else’s legacy. Hybrid, working across Sussex. Relocation support available
Recuriter: Sussex & Brighton Strategic Authority

Director of Law, Governance & Compliance (Monitoring Officer)

Sussex & Brighton Strategic Authority
c£120,000
Design how a new strategic authority governs itself, then lead it into its first mayoral term. Hybrid, working across Sussex. Relocation support available
Recuriter: Sussex & Brighton Strategic Authority
Linkedin Banner