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

Democratic Services Officer

London Borough of Richmond upon Thames and London Borough of Wandsworth
£47,730 - £57,837
Democratic Services Officer
Recuriter: London Borough of Richmond upon Thames and London Borough of Wandsworth

Residential Worker

Essex County Council
£27935.00 - £35344.00 per annum + includes allowance
Residential WorkerPermanent, Full Time£27,935 - £35,344 per annum (including allowance)Location
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Team Manager

Durham County Council
Grade 14 £51,928 - £56,293
Do you want to lead a passionate team dedicated to supporting parents to achieve meaningful and sustainable change and help more children to remain sa Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Clerical Officer Receptionist

Durham County Council
Grade 3 £26,016 - £26,847
We are looking to appoint a full time Clerical officer/Receptionist within Business Services to provide a professional, effective and efficient recept Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Early Years Children in Care Caseworker

Durham County Council
Grade 9 £36,581 - £40,444
Are you passionate about improving outcomes for young children and ensuring every child has the best start in life? We are seeking an experienced and Spennymoor
Recuriter: Durham County Council
Linkedin Banner