The proposed closure of community support centres by Kirklees Council risk letting down victims of domestic violence and others who have nowhere to turn, UNISON says today (Wednesday).
In the past few days a customer service officer in Kirklees, based in one of the centres earmarked to be shut, provided key face-to-face support for a resident who sought help to escape violence at home, the union says.
The incident, in which the officer navigating a language barrier to offer guidance and assistance, highlights the vital need to maintain services at the centres, says UNISON.
Kirklees Council has proposed closing the two centres, in Huddersfield and Dewsbury, which would lead to the loss of more than 40 jobs.
The council says services currently provided at the facilities will instead be delivered by library staff. But some libraries are already lined up to be run by volunteers so there is no capacity to take on the extra responsibilities of dedicated customer service officers, says UNISON.
Staff at the centres are being balloted currently for strike action by the union.
UNISON believes this incident is a prime example of why the council must reconsider its closure plans.
UNISON Kirklees branch secretary Mick Donoghue said: “Staff in the customer service centres are providing vital support for the most vulnerable members of the community.
“The level of care and help given by the member of staff to a scared and desperate woman simply cannot be delivered in the way the council is proposing.
“It’s time to reconsider, and explore other options.”
The customer service officer, who wishes to remain anonymous, said: “I had to use my second language to ensure the victim received and understood the information she needed. It took multiple calls and I needed to act as translator to help her over the space of three hours.
“She was looking for accommodation after fleeing violence, so was very scared and confused.
“This is the work we do – supporting the most vulnerable. The prospect of the centres no longer being open is deeply concerning.”
