Main Leeds jobcentre closes as four teams merge into two

The Department for Work and Pensions is merging the Eastgate and Park Place offices in Leeds, with all functions moving to Park Place.

Backroom staff in Leeds Centre are also to become one team with colleagues at Quarry House.

Minister says Jobcentre Plus operations have changed in recent years as people make more use of online and telephone services, generally only visiting for appointments or for help in researching job vacancies.

It is hoped that the changes will streamline services, save money and make “more efficient use” of DWP premises.

A DWP spokesperson said: “At the heart of everything we do is our customers, and we’ve made it easier than ever for people to access our suite of specialist services to find work and get the support that they need – whether that be in person, online or over phone.

“By bringing together a number of neighbouring Jobcentres we’re continuing to modernise our operations while ensuring that our premises provide best value to the taxpayer.”

The YEP understands there are currently no plans to cut jobs a as part of the proposals, and there will actually be a new recruitment drive to hire 2,500 new work coaches this year.

A final decision on the plans is expected to be made within six months, with a view to completion by the end of March next year.

The Government says the shake-up has come about because 20 per cent of office space in its job shops is being under-used.

Jobcentres and benefit centres are covered by old building contracts which are now coming up for renewal. In the 20 years since these contracts were signed the welfare system has undergone large scale reform.