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

Approved Mental Health Professional/ Social Worker - AMHP

London Borough of Richmond upon Thames and London Borough of Wandsworth
£44,982 - £54,507 (plus £3,000 annual AMPH al
Approved Mental Health Professional/ So... Wandsworth, London
Recuriter: London Borough of Richmond upon Thames and London Borough of Wandsworth

Chief Executive

North Yorkshire Council
£205,749 to £224,986
North Yorkshire Council is seeking an exceptional leader to become our next Chief Executive. Northallerton, North Yorkshire
Recuriter: North Yorkshire Council

Social Worker - Children in Care, Mid Essex

Essex County Council
£38487.0000 - £51834.0000 per annum
Social Worker - Children in Care, Mid Essex Please note this vacancy is available as a fixed term contract or secondment opportunity for up to 18 Mont England, Essex, Chelmsford
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Recruitment Training and Support Officer (Fostering)

Essex County Council
£26284.0000 - £33256.0000 per annum
Recruitment Training and Support Officer (Fostering)Permanent, Full Time£26,284 to £33,256 per annumLocation
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Travel Trainer (Ealing)

Essex County Council
Up to £28621.00 per annum
Travel Trainer (Ealing)Permanent, Full Time£28,621 per annumLocation
Recuriter: Essex County Council
Linkedin Banner