May 14, 2011 7.00 am This story is over 154 months old

Jobs under threat as Lincoln Jobcentre in talks for closure

Potential closure: Jobseekers in Lincoln could face loosing their local Jobcentre due to government cuts.

Lincoln’s Jobcentre on Orchard Street could be closed in order to save money.

The news comes after members of staff at the Lincoln branch of the national chain took part in a 24-hour strike to try to resolve ongoing dispute.

According to the Public and Commercial Services (PCS) Union, 22 Jobcentres, including Lincoln, are facing plans to be closed down, affecting 2,400 staff.

PCS, who organised last month’s strikes, believe that the decision is risky in a time of rising unemployment.

PCS general secretary Mark Serwotka said: “This is a deeply flawed and dangerous plan that will remove vital support to job seekers and people claiming welfare at precisely the time the government’s ideological cuts will throw more people out of work.

“Instead of cutting jobs, the government should be investing in public services like these to help get people back to work more quickly and help our economy to get back on track.”

Meanwhile, the Department of Work and Pensions say that they cannot continue to pay for buildings not fully used.

A spokesperson said: “We can’t afford to carry on paying for buildings which aren’t fully used.

“Front-line Jobcentre Plus services aren’t impacted by this and we’ve made sure that all the staff affected have the option of moving elsewhere in the organisation.

“In tough financial times we have to operate as efficiently as possible.”

Members of the PCS will be taking part in a ballot next week to decide whether to take further strike action.

Across Lincolnshire, the Grimsby Jobcentre may also be cut.

Related Report: BBC Lincolnshire