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

Social Worker - Assessment & Intervention, Mid Essex

Essex County Council
£36124.00 - £51834.00 per annum
Social Worker - Assessment & Intervention, Mid EssexPermanent, Full Time£36,124 to £51,834 per annum Location
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Information Management and Data Services Officer

Durham County Council
Grade 9 £35,412 - £39,152
Do you have what it takes to develop innovative data products to help drive improvements? This is an exciting time to join Durham’s Children and Youn Spennymoor
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Social Worker

Durham County Council
Grade 9 (Pre-Progression) £35,412 - £39,152 / Grade 11 (Post-Progression) £40,777- £45,091 - Pay Award Pending
We are seeking a dedicated and enthusiastic social worker to play a key role within the Social Care Direct team, which serves as the vital ‘front of h Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Partnership Support Officer

Durham County Council
Grade 9 £35,412 - £39,152
An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Partnership Support Officer to join our Partnerships and Consultation Team. You will provide support to the Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Project Support Officer

Durham County Council
Grade 8 £32,597 - £36,363 p.a Pay Award Pending
We are looking for a highly motivated and organised individual to join our Digital Programme & Communities Team as Project Support Officers. The role Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council
Linkedin Banner