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

Cemeteries Manager

The Royal Borough of Windsor & Maidenhead
£37,526 - £41,613 per annum
We have an exciting opportunity for a Cemeteries Manager to join us! Maidenhead, Berkshire
Recuriter: The Royal Borough of Windsor & Maidenhead

Strategic Director of Community Services

Isle of Wight Council
Grade 20, from £120,536 to £129,500 per annum
As a forward-thinking local authority, we put people first and champion innovation, collaboration, and excellence in everything we do. Isle of Wight
Recuriter: Isle of Wight Council

Information Governance Manager

Essex County Council
£47761 - £56189 per annum + Flexible Working, Hybrid Working
Are you an Information Governance professional? With proven experience of reading and redacting subject access requests, preferably in a local author England, Essex, Chelmsford
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Adults Social Worker - North Essex

Essex County Council
£37185 - £50081 per annum
Register your interest here to be notified of upcoming Social Worker opportunities within Essex County Council's Adult Social Care services in North England, Essex, Colchester
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Assistant Director of SEND

Sheffield City Council
£80,995 - £86,757
Are you ready to lead transformational change for children and young people in Sheffield? Sheffield, South Yorkshire
Recuriter: Sheffield City Council
Linkedin Banner