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

Creative Producer

Mansfield District Council
£34,434 - £39,152 per annum (pay award pending)
The Creative Producer will lead the Development Team Mansfield, Nottinghamshire
Recuriter: Mansfield District Council

Apprentice (Income Team)

Ashfield District Council
£10.85 per hour for the first 12 months then NLW
Ashfield District Council are looking an enthusiastic individual to join our busy Income Team Sutton-In-Ashfield, Nottinghamshire
Recuriter: Ashfield District Council

Senior Engineer - Technical Enquiry Management (Traffic Management and Safety)

Derbyshire County Council
Grade 12 £44,433 - £47,925 per annum
Are you ready to take a leading role in managing technical enquiries and delivering safer, more efficient highways? Matlock, Derbyshire
Recuriter: Derbyshire County Council

Service Manager - Property and Investment

Ashfield District Council
£55,620 - £57,869 per annum (pay award pending)
As Service Manager – Property and Investment, you will be the Council’s professional lead on for commercial property and investment. Sutton-In-Ashfield, Nottinghamshire
Recuriter: Ashfield District Council

Electrician (CDC)

City Of Doncaster Council
Grade 8, £34,434 - £38,221 (pay award pending)
We also carry out reactive electrical repairs, which includes fault finding of commercial/industrial and domestic properties Doncaster, South Yorkshire
Recuriter: City Of Doncaster Council
Linkedin Banner