Demo against DVLA cuts (From The Northern Echo)

Demo against DVLA cuts

5:55pm Wednesday 15th February 2012 in Stockton News

WORKERS protested outside DVLA offices threatened with closure at lunchtime yesterday.

More than 60 jobs are likely to go in the North-East at Thornaby and Newcastle as the Government considers a plan to close 39 regional Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency offices nationwide.

Jan Robinson, Public and Commercial Services union representative in Thornaby, said more than 1,000 customers had signed their petition of support against the job losses.

The Thornaby office has 22 staff, she said, adding: "Half of our staff are over 50 and the other half have young families. Two of our young women have just found out they are pregnant, so you can understand how upset they are. They told us just before Christmas.

"We've managed to extend the public consultation period and we're encouraging people to go online on to the DVLA website and back us.

We've still got hope."

The Government says closing the 39 regional offices by the end of next year and axing 1,200 jobs could save about £28m a year.

DVLA chief executive Simon Tse said: "The DVLA has been serving motorists for over 40 years in one form or another. But times change and customers' needs change.

"A public consultation runs until March 20. No decisions will be made until the consultation period has ended and all responses have been considered."