A mum who works at an office building threatened with closure said it would have a devastating effect on the 1,400 people who work there. In a passionate interview with the ECHO, Sarah, whose name has been changed to keep her anonymity, described how she believes both the lives of workers and local businesses could be heavily impacted as a result of the closure of Smedley Hydro in Birkdale.
Government review puts jobs at risk
Smedley Hydro has seen news coverage in recent months as it was revealed the offices on Trafalgar Road are under review by the government. The building holds staff from the General Register Office, HM Passport Office, the Home Office and NHS Digital, and is one of the largest employers in the Southport area.
Despite this, its future is uncertain as it is currently being reviewed for closure by the Government Property Agency. The jobs currently housed in the building would likely be moved to Liverpool and Preston should the offices shut by 2030.
Workers fear relocation impact
As the decision looms, the Public and Commercial Services (PCS) Union continues to fight against the possible closure as it calls for people to join a rally next month to show the desire to keep the doors open.
Sarah, who has worked at the offices for around three years having previously been a teacher, told the ECHO there are concerns regarding the idea of relocation of staff and the impact it will have on people's finances.
She said: "The impact on the staff is massive. They accept the jobs thinking they're going to be working in Southport. It's not like we're right next to a city and if they were to move us to Preston or Manchester, the transport links aren't great.
"There are all sorts of issues with people having to work further away, whether it's travel or sorting care for children and adults."
Union and MP back campaign
The PCS is demanding the offices stay open, with the building and its workers proving vital to both the people and economy of Birkdale and Southport.
Sarah told the ECHO: "Andy Burnham says he want to power up the nirth but how about powering up Southport? We could show how Southport and coastal towns can be economically viable. But if you don't have the jobs in SOuthport then what does the town have in terms of oportunities?
"Smedley Hydro is the second biggest employer in the town behind the NHS, how can they get rid of it from a town that is already short on employment? Taking away opportunities for skilled workers, because that is what we are, would have a devastating effect on the town and community."
The PCS said it is concerned that reasonable adjustments will not be fully considered in any relocation plans. Sarah explained people took jobs at Smedley Hydro because of its location and the ability to work close to home.
PCS general secretary, Fran Heathcote said: "This is not simply a question of moving desks from one building to another. For our members, this is about their jobs, their livelihoods and whether they will be able to continue working for the Home Office at all.
"People have built their lives around being based in Southport. Some colleagues have disabilities or caring responsibilities and rely on the accessibility of this site to get to work.
The Home Office needs to look at the whole picture. The site is fit for purpose, the workforce is highly skilled and experienced, and there has already been significant investment in the building. The potential of disrupting a specialist national service by losing experienced staff should not be worth the risk"
Rally planned in Birkdale
A rally is now scheduled to take place in Birkdale village on Sunday, September 6, at 11am with Sarah hoping they will see as many people as possible help fight to keep the office block in Southport.
She said: "I want it to be really clear that we as the Home Office have all come together. Managers, senior leadership, everyone are being very supportive of this campaign to keep these jobs in the area."
The union is also calling for all financial and operational costs of relocation to be assessed.
Southport MP Patrick Hurley has since supported the union's efforts to deter the government from closing the offices, with the local politician meeting with employees ahead of a meeting with ministers.
He has previously written to Paymaster General Nick Thomas-Symonds MP and has continued to engage with the Government, PCS Union, local stakeholders and workers over the future of Smedley Hydro.
A GPA spokesperson previously told the ECHO: "A decision was taken under the previous government to assess long-term options for the site as part of cost-effective management of the government estate.
"No changes would take place until 2030 at the earliest. An extensive consultation will take place with affected staff ahead of any change."
