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

Parks & Countryside Officer (Level 2)

Essex County Council
£28509.0000 - £31058.0000 per annum
Maldon District Council is working in partnership with Essex Shared Services to support the role of Parks and Countryside Officer (Level 2), a full-t England, Essex, Maldon
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Repairs Administrator - Basildon Borough Council

Essex County Council
Up to £14.5700 per hour
Repairs Administrator - Basildon Borough Council Basildon, Essex £14.57 PAYE / £18.66 Umbrella per hour Temporary Contract Full-Time, 36.25 hour per w England, Essex, Billericay
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Enhanced Social Work Practitioner

Durham County Council
Grade 12 - £44,075 - £48,226 per annum. Pay award pending.
Do you believe every child deserves to grow up surrounded by love, family, and a sense of belonging?   Are you an experienced social worker ready to p Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Principal Accountancy Assistant

Durham County Council
£38,220 to £41,771 p.a. (Grade 10) Pay award pending
We are currently recruiting for two Principal Accountancy Assistant positions, one of the posts is within the Financial Technical Accounting Team, sup Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Lecturer in Health, Care and Education

Durham County Council
Grade 9, £35,412 - £39,152 pro rata per annum. Pay award pending.
We are looking for an enthusiastic and dedicated Lecturer with experience in Health & Social Care and Education who is passionate about helping adults Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council
Linkedin Banner