PCS condemns DWP's mass office closure programme putting jobs and communities at risk

The closures will affect offices in Motherwell, Glasgow, Derby, Hyde, Halifax, Liverpool, Sunderland, Torquay and Blackpool, with more than 5,400 staff impacted. While the DWP claims the programme will modernise its estate and make better use of office space, PCS believes the plans are driven primarily by cost-cutting rather than improving working conditions or public services.

Many members face significantly longer and more expensive commutes to replacement offices, while staff in Torquay have not even been offered an alternative DWP workplace. PCS warns that, based on previous office closure programmes, many employees may feel forced to leave the department because relocation is simply not practical.

The union is also deeply concerned that the closures increase the risk of compulsory redundancies. PCS is already fighting compulsory redundancies affecting members in Lincoln and argues that, with modern technology and hybrid working, there is no justification for forcing staff out of their jobs when work can be carried out remotely or redistributed.

The union will oppose any office closures that remove secure civil service jobs from local communities and will organise members in every affected workplace to campaign against the plans.

PCS general secretary, Fran Heathcote says:

"These closures are being presented as modernisation, but for thousands of our members they mean uncertainty, longer journeys, disruption to family life and the very real risk of losing their jobs. 

“DWP has had years to modernise its estate, yet staff continue to work in poor-quality buildings while being asked to pay the price for the department's cost-cutting agenda. 

"PCS fundamentally opposes these office closures, and any further closures of service centres or jobcentres that would remove jobs from communities."

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