1,200 jobs threatened by DVLA closures


Hugh Caffrey

PCS union members working at the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) are angry and frustrated at plans by the Con-Dem government to shut all 39 local offices by the end of 2013.

These offices are where members of the public can deal with vehicle registration and taxes and similar issues. Closure will mean a worse service at greater cost to the taxpayer – this cut is to prepare the service for privatisation.

Workers protested outside their Manchester office as part of a national day of action on 10 January. Sam Oxford, PCS DVLA Midlands branch organiser said: “Over 1,200 jobs are threatened at 39 locations…

We’ve got no confidence in senior management, they’ve lied to us on loads of occasions.

They’ve released a provisional plan for four stages of closures: the first stage in October 2012, the second in June 2013, and then August 2013, and finally October 2013.

Public support in the offices when they come in to visit us has been great. We just need to ramp up the campaign, we’ll have a petition ready soon.

We need to put pressure on MPs, we urge everyone to write to their MP, and to respond to the consultation document.”