Redundancy letter 'new low' from DWP, union says

Staff at a Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) centre face potential redundancy ahead of its closure, a union has claimed.

The Public and Commercial Services (PCS) Union said more than 80 jobs are at risk at the Lincoln City Hall site and its members will take strike action from 1 December until 2 January.

Ian Fisher, the union branch chair said: "To announce redundancies only after the escalation of industrial action is a new low for the DWP, who have failed to have any empathy throughout this whole process."

The DWP said redeployment for staff had been a "first priority" and a voluntary redundancy scheme is in place.

On Wednesday, a DWP letter said there was a possibility "at risk" staff could lose their jobs if an alternative role or department was not found.

In the communication, staff were told the DWP "remain committed to supporting all impacted colleagues throughout this time".

The move has been criticised by the PCS which said previous denials of redundancy had "prolonged uncertainty and stress".

Mr Fisher said: "Colleagues have repeatedly asserted their preference for continued employment over redundancy pay-outs, making clear they want jobs, not compensation."

In June, the DWP confirmed plans to close the city hall centre in May 2026. It added the closure would not affect the Jobcentre or Health Assessment Centre.

Listen to highlights fromLincolnshire on BBC Sounds, watch thelatest episode of Look Northor tell us about a story you think we should be covering here.

Download the BBC News app from the App Store for iPhone and iPad or Google Play for Android devices