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.'

Designing for cohesion image

Designing for cohesion

Tom Fairey, Development Director at Alliance Leisure, discusses how community spaces can strengthen local connections.
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

Senior Practitioner - Woodlands Family Centre, West Essex

Essex County Council
£48205.0000 - £57988.0000 per annum
Senior Practitioner - Woodlands Family Centre, West EssexFixed Term, Full Time£48,205.00 to £57,988.00 Per Annum Location
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Senior Practitioner - Placement Finding Team

Essex County Council
£48205.0000 - £57988.0000 per annum
Senior Practitioner - Children & Young People's Placement Service - Placement Finding TeamPermanent, Full Time£48,205 to £57,988 Per AnnumLocation
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Cleaner

Durham County Council
£24,796 (Pro Rata)
Permanent Contract - Part Time 10 hours per week 4.00pm to 6.00pm Monday to Friday. Whole Time. Required to start 1st August 2026.   Governors wish to Newton Aycliffe
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Social Worker MHSOP

Durham County Council
£35,412 - £39,152 / £40,777- £45,091 p.a. ( pro rata for part-time) i.e. grade 9 pre progression/grade 11 post progression (Pay Award Pending)
We are looking for a MHSOP Social Worker to join our Adult Care Service, supporting older people and adults with a physical disability.   WHAT IS INVO Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council
Linkedin Banner