18 May 2022

PCS campaigners call on DWP and MP to save their jobs

Vinovium House in Bishop Auckland is one of 43 DWP processing sites earmarked for closure as part of DWP plans, but PCS activists are campaigning for their future.

They are calling on Tory MP Dehenna Davison to save their jobs. The jobs are at risk after the government decided to close two floors of the purpose-built office in the town's Newgate Centre. More than 50 PCS members currently working at Vinovium House are being transferred to the new site, knowing they face being made redundant. 

PCS DWP Group President Martin Cavanagh said: “DWP’s treatment of loyal, hard-working staff in Bishop Auckland is callous. Staff providing a crucial public service will be moved to the Newgate Centre knowing that their jobs are at risk. 

“The long-term lease was secured in 2021 after detailed negotiations with the council on the basis that all 101 staff would be working at the site. The staff now facing redundancy even had their names on the desks.”

Martin says there is no good business reason which could justify making any of our members redundant.

“We need to keep this work in Bishop Auckland as planned, the local economy cannot afford to lose further jobs,” he said.

“The government is loudly proclaiming the welcome new civil service work in Darlington but is quietly putting local jobs at risk at the same time. This is the opposite of levelling up. PCS is calling on DWP and local MP Dehenna Davison to reverse the decision and keep jobs in Bishop Auckland. 

“Cuts have consequences. We shall fight for every job in the civil service. Not just on behalf of our members, but on behalf of every member of the public who relies on the services they provide.” 

Let us know what’s happening where you are, email dwp@pcs.org.uk

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