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

School Crossing Patroller

London Borough of Richmond upon Thames and London Borough of Wandsworth
Pro Rata Salary - £5353,77
Job Title
Recuriter: London Borough of Richmond upon Thames and London Borough of Wandsworth

Principal Housing Lawyer - Epping Forest District Council

Essex County Council
£61754.0000 - £72026.0000 per annum
Essex County Council (ECC) are delighted to be supporting Epping Forest District Council in recruiting a Principal Housing Lawyer.Please click HERE to England, Essex, Epping
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Apprentice - Housing Management

Durham County Council
£15,434 per annum (£8.00ph) NMW
Earn.  Learn.  Qualify.   Do you want to earn while you learn, with the chance of progression once you qualify? Do you want the opportunity to grow, d Spennymoor
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Social Worker

Durham County Council
Grade 9 - £35,412 - £39,152 / Grade 11 - £40,777 - £45,091 (pay award pending)
1 X Temporary post (22.5 hpw) until 31/03/2027 - Hospital Discharge Team East - Seaham 1 x Temporary post (30 hpw) maternity cover for 12 months or re Seaham
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Social Worker (Mental Wellbeing Service)

The Royal Borough of Windsor & Maidenhead
£40,192 - £44,012 per annum
We have an exciting opportunity for a Social Worker to join our Mental Wellbeing Service! Maidenhead, Berkshire
Recuriter: The Royal Borough of Windsor & Maidenhead
Linkedin Banner