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.'

Designing for cohesion image

Designing for cohesion

Tom Fairey, Development Director at Alliance Leisure, discusses how community spaces can strengthen local connections.
SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Senior Social Worker

Wakefield Council
Grade 10 SCP 32 £42,839 - SCP 35 £46,142
An exciting opportunity has arisen for a full-time Senior Social Worker position Wakefield, West Yorkshire
Recuriter: Wakefield Council

Finance Manager – Accountancy (Children & Families) 

Redcar & Cleveland Borough Council
 £54,495 – £56,737 (pay award pending plus benefits)
Thank you for your interest in joining Redcar & Cleveland Borough Council and our Finance Service. Redcar, North Yorkshire
Recuriter: Redcar & Cleveland Borough Council

Library & Customer Assistant - WMF2959ee

Westmorland and Furness Council
£25,989 (PRO RATA)
Are you an energetic, highly motivated, and customer-focused individual with a passion for public service? Kendal, Cumbria
Recuriter: Westmorland and Furness Council

Principal Planning Officer - WMF2965e

Westmorland and Furness Council
£47,181- £48,226
Wouldyou like to live and work in one of the most beautiful parts of the country? Cumbria / Countywide
Recuriter: Westmorland and Furness Council

Senior Social Worker (Mental Wellbeing Service)

The Royal Borough of Windsor & Maidenhead
£47,831 - £52,414 per annum
We have an exciting opportunity for a Senior Social Worker to join our Mental Wellbeing Service! Maidenhead, Berkshire
Recuriter: The Royal Borough of Windsor & Maidenhead
Linkedin Banner