The Public and Commercial Services (PCS) union has robustly protested the anticipated closure of a Lincoln-based Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) service centre. Deeming the decision “callous” with potential implications for close to 128 staff members, the union voiced apprehension about the limited opportunities for relocation that staff may face, possibly entailing public transport commutes as long as an hour to locations up to 40 miles away. While the Lincoln Jobcentre is to continue operating, the PCS underscored the pronounced challenges that Lincoln’s languishing labour market presents. The union is thus urging the DWP to re-evaluate its approach to prevent avoidable job risks. To this end, the union is arranging meetings for those impacted by the decision and is planning to lobby local MPs about the closure. The DWP, meanwhile, has stated that the organisational changes only affect Service and Support Centre staff, who do not engage directly with customers. The DWP has also assured that staff affected by the transition would be accorded priority for redeployment within the Department or across other governmental departments.
This article has been adapted from original reporting by The Lincoln Post.
