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 Patrol Officer

Essex County Council
Up to £13.4600 per hour
School Crossing Patrol Officer Chelmsford, Essex Part-Time, Temporary 7.5 hours per week, term-time only Up to 6 Months £13.46 PAYE / £17.24 Umbrella England, Essex, Chelmsford
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Adults Social Worker - Mid Essex (Various Teams)

Essex County Council
£38487 - £51834 per annum + Flexible Working, Hybrid Working
Interviews will be held in person at County Hall on 8th June 2026.We're an adult social care service that wants to see citizens of Essex have as much England, Essex, Chelmsford
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Administrative Officer

Durham County Council
£26,403-£28,598 (pro rata)
Administrative Officer Permanent, Full Time, Term Time Only Required to start September 1st 2026   The Headteacher and Governors of this Outstanding M Seaham
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Assistant Psychologist

Durham County Council
Grade 8 - £32,597 - £36,363
This is a 2-year post within the Educational Psychology Service which is part of the SEND and Inclusion Service for Durham’s Children and Young People Spennymoor
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Structures Assistant Engineer

Durham County Council
£35,142 - £39,152
Highways Services re looking for a Structures Assistant Engineer to join their Highway Team.    WHAT IS INVOLVED? You will be responsible for providin Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council
Linkedin Banner