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 Homelessness

London Borough of Richmond upon Thames and London Borough of Wandsworth
£38,976 - £52,767
Social Worker – Homelessness£40,... Wandsworth, London
Recuriter: London Borough of Richmond upon Thames and London Borough of Wandsworth

Driver

Essex County Council
Up to £25081.00 per annum
DriverFixed Term, Part Time£25,081 per annum pro rata Location
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Principal Transportation and Infrastructure Planner

Essex County Council
£56537.00 - £66514.00 per annum
Principal Transportation and Infrastructure PlannerPermanent, Full Time£56,537 to £66,514 per annumLocation
Recuriter: Essex County Council

NETPark Property Assistant

Durham County Council
Grade 2
Durham County Council
Recuriter: Durham County Council

SENDIASS Officer

Durham County Council
£35,412 - £39,152
An exciting and rewarding opportunity has arisen within the busy and fast paced SEND Information, Advice, Support Service (SENDIASS).   WHAT IS INVOLV Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council
Linkedin Banner