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
17:20, 22 Nov 2025
DWP sending out letters which are ‘a new low’ even for them
Workers at the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) have condemned what they’re calling a “new low” from the benefits and welfare department. DWP Jobcentre employees could potentially face redundancy as their workplace prepares to shut down, according to union warnings.
The Public and Commercial Services (PCS) Union revealed that over 80 positions are under threat at the Lincoln City Hall location, with members planning strike action running from December 1 through to January 2.
Ian Fisher, the union branch chair, declared: “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.”
Some DWP staff are at risk (stock)(Image: Getty)
The DWP maintained that staff redeployment had been their “first priority” and confirmed a voluntary redundancy programme is available.
A DWP letter on Wednesday indicated there was a chance that “at risk” employees might lose their positions if alternative roles or departments couldn’t be secured, reports Birmingham Live.
Rob Clarbour, the national services leader, penned: “I understand that changes like this can cause upset and uncertainty.
“Please be assured that I, and the Department, remain committed to supporting all impacted colleagues throughout this time.”
The PCS has slammed the decision, arguing that earlier denials of redundancy had “prolonged uncertainty and stress”.
Mr Fisher stated: “Colleagues have repeatedly asserted their preference for continued employment over redundancy pay-outs, making clear they want jobs, not compensation.”
The letter was slammed (stock)(Image: Getty Images)
Fran Heathcote, from the Public and Commercial Services Union (PCS), expressed that members were “being cast aside with little remorse” despite “giving decades of dedicated service to the DWP”.
Bradley Wall, secretary of Lincoln and District Trades Council, stated that the decision to strike demonstrated “the strength, pride and determination of Lincoln’s workforce”.
He added: “Closing this office would be a betrayal, not just of the staff but of Lincolnshire itself.”
The DWP previously explained that the affected workers did not interact with customers face-to-face and the alterations were part of a shift towards “fewer, larger, more economically viable sites”.
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