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 Housing

Salford City Council
up to £107k
Salford as a place to live, work, invest and visit, and Salford is being rebuilt. Salford, Greater Manchester
Recuriter: Salford City Council

Tutor

Essex County Council
£29377.00 - £30377.00 per annum
TutorPermanent, Part Time£29,377 to £30,377 per annumLocation
Recuriter: Essex County Council

SEND Engagement Facilitator

Essex County Council
£25821.00 - £30377.00 per annum
SEND Engagement FacilitatorFixed Term, Full Time£25,821 to £30,377 per annumLocation
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Finance Administrator Banking WMF2726

Westmorland and Furness Council
£26,403.00 - £26,824.00
They will be working in a fast-paced environment with changing priorities so will need to be adaptable. Cumbria / Various
Recuriter: Westmorland and Furness Council

Lawyer (Property) - WMF2791e

Westmorland and Furness Council
£45,091 to £46,142
A great opportunity has arisen at Westmorland and Furness Council within our Legal Team Kendal, Cumbria
Recuriter: Westmorland and Furness Council
Linkedin Banner