Civil servants to strike over centre closure plan

The DWP service centre is located in Lincoln City Hall but is set to close

Civil servants working at a Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) centre in Lincoln have voted to go on strike.

The Public and Commercial Services (PCS) union said more than 60 members based at the Lincoln City Hall Service and Support Centre have voted by 86% for strike action over plans to close the centre.

The DWP announced the closure of the site on 17 June and the union said 128 people were at risk of losing their jobs.

A DWP spokesperson said: "Our absolute priority is supporting all affected staff through this transition, with redeployment opportunities wherever possible."

The union said that the "isolated" geographical location of Lincoln would make it difficult for staff to relocate without taking on unsustainable travel costs or journey times and that the planned closure was a "cruel and unnecessary decision".

General secretary Fran Heathcote said: "Our members have shown they are not prepared to accept the closure of their office without a fight."

The union is yet to announce any details of the strike action.

The DWP said they would continue to work with the trade unions to address their concerns and ensure that staff received full support during the process.

A spokesperson said the decision to close the centre would have "no impact" on the job centre or other services delivered at the site.

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