Public and Commercial Services Union

The consultation period on Chapeltown Jobcentre, Sheffield officially ends on 17th of July 2008. PCS believes that the past few weeks has shown that there is overwhelming opposition to the proposal to close the Jobcentre.

So far in the campaign support has been received from Angela Smith MP for Hillsborough, Dennis McShane MP for Rotherham, John Healey MP for Wentworth, Linda McAvan MEP for Yorkshire and the Humber, Sheffield City Council, Ecclesfield Parish Council, Sheffield Trades Union Council, Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Council Labour Group, Sheffield Unison and the Chapelgreen Advice Centre with more organisations and local people registering their support daily.

There are over 2000 names on the petition opposing closure. Campaign postcards against the closure have been completed by members of the public and sent to the District Manager and over 200 have signed the online parliamentary petition. Please give your support by going online and signing the petition.

The union is also meeting with David Blunkett MP for Sheffield Brightside (and previously DWP Secretary of State) on Thursday night and we are hoping to receive his strong support for our campaign. We will also be meeting Michael Clapham MP shortly.

Chapeltown members and PCS branch reps have been campaigning at weekends in Chapeltown, the NHS at 60 festival in Hillsborough Park and at the South Yorkshire Festival at Wortley Hall.

The media coverage has included articles in The Star, Sheffield Telegraph and Chapeltown free paper, Look Local.

If the decision is made to recommend for closure then this will not the end of our campaign, as the final decision will be made by the Minister of State, Stephen Timms. If necessary, we will step up our campaign in defence of accessible local services.