Tories axe 310 jobs in Northern powerhouse


Marion Lloyd, PCS union rep, Department for Business, Innovation and Skills

The Tories have announced the closure of the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS) office in Sheffield next year. This makes a mockery of their ‘Northern powerhouse’ economic policy.

The BIS cut includes the loss of 250 jobs. This follows the 2015 Autumn Statement announcement that the UK Commission for Employment and Skills, based in Wath-upon-Dearne, South Yorkshire, will also close. A further 60 jobs are threatened there. The two decisions are a major blow to the economic development of Yorkshire.

They give the lie to the government’s publicly stated ‘Northern powerhouse’ objective to drive economic growth and make jobs.

Lois Austin, an official for public sector union PCS, said: “The decision to close the BIS office in Sheffield and transfer the work to London, combined with the decision to close the Wath UK Commission for Employment and Skills, demonstrate that the austerity policies of this government override the need for regional economic development.

Closures

“PCS and other trade unions will oppose these closures, and the loss of jobs, with all available resources.” The Socialist Party fully supports PCS members fighting this attack. Reverse all cuts – for investment in decent jobs for all, throughout the country.