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Help save 400 communications jobs

27 January 2012

PCS is urging trade unionists to write to their MPs to complain about plans to axe the government's communications agency.

The Central Office of Information (CoI) was established in 1946 and has been very efficient, hitting the targets set for it by successive governments.

But the body was abolished last year by an order of the Cabinet Office and is due to close at the end of March.

Up to 400 jobs are at risk across the UK.

COI works across government supporting departments with its communications. It helps other civil servants who come under the media spotlight - like the Department of Health during the flu crisis.

It is also important that government communications are professional and impartial, and have the institutional memory that comes from serving different administrations.

If the CoI is abolished the media and the electorate will have to rely on Malcolm Tucker-style spin doctors for all information about government policies.

PCS members and supporters are urged to write to their Westminster MPs to ask them to sign early day motion 2574 which calls for the axing of the CoI to be annulled.

Find your MP and write to them - it's quick and easy

Read the early day motion

The PCS CoI branch is part of the union's public sector group

There is an alternative - read our economic arguments against the cuts

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