250 jobs at risk as BIS plans office closure

NEARLY 250 jobs are are at risk after the Government announced the closure of the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills’ office in Sheffield.

The BIS office will be closed by 2018. Activities will be moved to a central headquarters and policy centre in London.

The Department employs 247 people in the office and has not said if or when any redundancies will be made.

According to the Public and Commercial Services Union, another 100 jobs could be at risk as the Government prepares to shut down more offices.

They will be replaced by six business centres which will be established “across the country”.

Speaking at the Sheffield offices yesterday, BIS permanent secretary Martin Donnelly said: “Today’s announcement is part of implementing our BIS 2020 strategic plans to modernise the way we work, reduce operating costs and deliver a simpler, smaller department that is more flexible and responsive to stakeholders and businesses.

“The decision to close Sheffield by 2018 has not been taken lightly. The unions are being consulted and will be involved throughout the process.

“In relation to the new business centres, we will be working closely with our Partner Bodies over the coming months to develop firm plans for their office locations.”

PCS general secretary Mark Serwotka said: “The business department is supposed to lead the way in helping local economies grow after the recession, yet it is retreating from towns and cities across the country.

“We do not accept the need for these offices to close and for jobs to be at risk and will be opposing these moves.”

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