To all members and potential members of the PCS Fylde Central Benefits
and Services Branch at Norcross.
Dear Colleague
DWP Norcross Continues
– Announcement of 18th December 2012
Members at DWP Norcross may/ should have seen the communications from the employer regarding the continuation (in part) of the DWP Norcross site, with Shared Services moving in to Tomlinson House.
We were very disappointed at the announcement on 27th June 2012 regarding the closure of the DWP Norcross site, and believed the decision that the DWP Norcross site would close on 31st August 2013 was wrong.
We have argued all along that the closure of the DWP Norcross site would result in job losses/ redundancies for members who work for the DWP contractors, and job losses in the DWP as well as undermining future employment in the DWP in the locale. We have met with the local political leaders (MPs and Council) and pressed for the development of jobs/ economy in the area, not a managed run down.
We have also made it clear (including to MPs) that we have always been highly dubious as to the logistical aspect of moving 1,200 DWP people into a limited amount of space at DWP Warbreck and Peel Park. We have been concerned that not all the units will be able to be physically re-housed on the Fylde (including the usage of the Department’s magic maths). We have made the case that there has been/ is a real danger of work moving elsewhere if the location strategy doesn’t work as a result of the announcement to close the DWP Norcross site.
Location strategy changes
Members should now be aware that the employer has announced that the DWP will be retaining Tomlinson House (this would have been a MOD building if the DWP had totally withdrawn from the site) and that Shared Services will move into Tomlinson House (along with the MOD {SPVA} people who are already there). There will be a re-organisation in Tomlinson House to facilitate this.
A step in the right direction but more steps are needed
We welcome the announcement that part of the DWP Norcross site will continue and that Shared Services will move into Tomlinson House. We believe that there now needs to be a full review of the decision to transfer 1,000 DWP staff to a limited amount of space at Warbreck and Peel Park. We believe that there is an overwhelming case to retain further blocks at DWP Norcross and to retain and move work to the site. We are aware that some of the areas of the site in not in best condition and this should form part of the review.
If you have any questions about the above then please contact Duncan Griffiths.
