Kirklees council customer service staff have voted for strike action

Staff at two Kirklees Council customer service centers are to vote on whether or not to go on strike.

In February, plans were announced to close customer care facilities in Huddersfield and Dewsbury in a bid to save £34.5m.

The Unison union said more than 40 jobs were at risk and claimed vulnerable and elderly residents would be worst affected.

Kirklees Council has said it wants to “integrate” customer service centers and libraries, with support provided online or in person by library staff.

According to Unison, the centers provide support to the community with issues such as housing benefit and council tax.

The union said a petition opposing the cuts had received nearly 3,000 signatures.

Unison Kirklees branch secretary Mick Donoghue believes council leaders need to “listen to the power of sentiment” and “rethink these plans”.

He said: “Thousands of people have signed a petition against the closure of the centres, this figure is likely to rise.

“It’s time to look at other options to save money.”

Speaking in February, then-deputy council leader Paul Davies said the closure plans were set against “a world of difficult local finances”.

A council spokesman said that following the pandemic “we have seen a continued change in the way people choose to access services”.

They said the council wanted to make it “easier for people” to access advice and information online.

“The new offering will provide access to support via online or phone support from 10 of our library locations.”

The spokesman added: “The council is going through the necessary HR processes in consultation with unions and affected staff with the intention of minimizing the impact on employees where possible by managing vacancies and supporting staff to move to other board roles.

“We are pleased to report that many affected employees have already found alternative roles on the board.”