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 Legal & Governance (Monitoring Officer)

Hampshire and the Solent Combined Authority
Up to £118,000
The Hampshire & Solent Combined County Authority is being established at pace, bringing together a uniquely complex geography and economy. Hampshire / Hybrid
Recuriter: Hampshire and the Solent Combined Authority

Executive Director of Finance (Section 73 Officer)

Hampshire and the Solent Combined Authority
Up to £150,000
As our first Executive Director of Finance and statutory Section 73 Officer, you will build the financial architecture that makes this possible. Hampshire / Hybrid
Recuriter: Hampshire and the Solent Combined Authority

Managing Director

South London Legal Partnership
circa £140,000
The continued success of South London Legal Partnership (SLLP) is rooted in our shared commitment. London (South), London (Greater)
Recuriter: South London Legal Partnership

Assistant Director

Gloucestershire County Council
£85,838 pa to £94,585 pa
Gloucestershire County Council is seeking a forward-thinking, highly credible senior leader. Gloucestershire
Recuriter: Gloucestershire County Council

Strategic Director of Adult Social Care an

Tameside Metropolitan Borough Council
circa £130,000 p.a.
Are you someone who leads with heart, thinks with vision, and delivers with impact? Tameside, Greater Manchester
Recuriter: Tameside Metropolitan Borough Council
Linkedin Banner