DWP benefit processing and call centre closures, 2,400 jobs to go.

There’s an announcement today that 17 benefit processing sites and five contact centres will be shut mostly within 12 months, with the loss of 2,400 jobs.

BBC are reporting this but can’t find anything on their website, PCS press release reveals their deep concerns about this move, particularly in relation to benefit processing times which will almost inevitably be affected for the worst.

Benefit office closures ‘deeply flawed’ as unemployment will rise - PCS press release

More on the Guardian Society site.

Nick Clegg and David Cameron’s efforts to reunite after a fortnight of infighting suffered a setback when it emerged that the loss of 2,400 jobcentre posts is to be announced today, just a day after they jointly announced a £60m youth unemployment initiative.

The Guardian has learned that the job cuts at Jobcentre Plus over the next 12 months include the loss of 17 benefit processing centres and five contact centres, representing nearly 20% of staff.

The losses are part of a drive to rationalise properties in the jobcentre estate. Officials said that no one would be made forcibly redundant and that no high street jobcentres would be closed.

The Department for Work and Pensions said: “We will not comment on leaks. When making any announcement to staff we do so in the proper way.”

Jobcentre posts cut by 2,400 as coalition plans to axe a fifth of staff

There are many people employed within JC+ on temporary contract that were extended before Christmas.

I understand that most positions after late 2009 were made on a temporary basis.