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

Careers and Skills Facilitator Part Time

London Borough of Richmond upon Thames and London Borough of Wandsworth
£40,260 - £48,789 (pro-rata)
Careers and Skills Facilitator... Richmond, Greater London
Recuriter: London Borough of Richmond upon Thames and London Borough of Wandsworth

Community Support Worker

Essex County Council
£26284.0000 - £33256.0000 per annum
Community Support WorkerPermanent, Full Time£26,284 to £33,256 per annumLocation
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Residential Assistant

Essex County Council
£25959.0000 - £26284.0000 per annum
Residential AssistantPermanent, Part Time£25,959 to £26,285 per annum (full time equivalent) Location
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Senior Social Worker

Cheshire East Council
£43,149 - £49,658 per annum
At Cheshire East Council, we're looking for a passionate and skilled Senior Social Worker to join our children's services team. Macclesfield/ Crewe
Recuriter: Cheshire East Council

Educational Teaching Assistants - Southgate School

Kirklees Metropolitan Council
£22,272 - £23,389
This is more than just a job. It is an opportunity to make a real difference in the lives of young people Huddersfield, West Yorkshire
Recuriter: Kirklees Metropolitan Council
Linkedin Banner