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

Café Assistant - Harlow Library & ACL Centre

Essex County Council
Up to £25959.0000 per annum
Café Assistant - Harlow Library & ACL CentrePermanent, Part TimeUp to £25,959 per annum (full time equivalent)Location
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Lead Officer - Housing ICT (CX Asset Management) - EFDC

Essex County Council
£500.0000 - £650.0000 per day
Lead Officer - Housing ICT (CX Asset Management) - Epping Forest District CouncilRemote Worker £500-£650 per day Umbrella, dependant on experiencePart England, Essex, Epping
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Lead Officer - Housing ICT (Cx Housing) - EFDC

Essex County Council
£500.0000 - £650.0000 per day
Lead Officer - Housing ICT (Cx Housing)- Epping Forest District Council Remote Worker £500-£650 per day Umbrella, dependant on experience Part-Time,3 England, Essex, Epping
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Part Time Vocational Trainer - Health and Social Care

Essex County Council
£38466.00 - £45254.00 per annum + Pro Rata
Part Time Vocational Trainer - Health and Social Care - South EssexPermanent, Part Time£29,468 to £34,668 Per Annum (full time equivalent) Location
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Procurement Support Officer

Essex County Council
£25959.00 - £28621.00 per annum + + 26 Days Leave & Local Gov Pension
Procurement Support OfficerPermanent, Full Time£25,959 to £28,621 Per AnnumLocation
Recuriter: Essex County Council
Linkedin Banner