The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has announced plans to close its administrative centre in Torquay, Torbay, putting 130 jobs at risk. The move has been described as coming "out of the blue" by staff, who are reportedly "incredibly angry and upset" at the news.
Office Location and Function
The affected office is located at Cotswold House on Warren Road in Torquay. It serves as an administrative centre, not a public-facing Jobcentre, and provides services to benefit claimants across Torbay, which is the most deprived area in the South West of England.
Staff Reaction and Lack of Consultation
According to Torbay Weekly, the family of a worker at Cotswold House claimed there was "no consultation" before the announcement. They added that workers are "incredibly angry and upset." The DWP has stated that it is meeting individually with affected colleagues to discuss support and possible redeployment.
Political Response
Torbay MP Steve Darling (Liberal Democrat) expressed concern, noting that the DWP had taken on new staff, mostly young people, in March. He said: "It is bizarre that just months later they are talking about closing the offices. It falls outside their rationale. The DWP should be there to help people get work and manage their employment." He added: "Torbay is the only location with no alternative. One of the crucial things is that there are people in jobs who would be using the town centre. These are not just jobs for young people. We have heard of people in their twilight years working here to subsidise inadequate pensions. The DWP is meant to help places like Torbay."
Wider Context and DWP Statement
The Torquay closure is part of a broader review, with reports suggesting the DWP is considering shutting nine offices across the UK. A DWP spokesman said: "No decisions have been taken lightly, and we are meeting individually with affected colleagues to discuss the support available to them and possible redeployment opportunities, which may include Torquay Jobcentre or other DWP offices if there are suitable roles available. It is right that we modernise and consolidate the DWP estate, so it is more efficient, effective and delivers better value for taxpayers. There is no face-to-face customer contact at the affected sites, and Jobcentres and the other vital services we deliver to customers are unaffected."
Impact on Staff
Approximately 130 staff based at Cotswold House are at risk of losing their jobs. The DWP has indicated it will offer roles at alternative locations to those affected, with voluntary redundancy considered a last resort.
