PCS: Government needs to rethink Newport passport office closure

PCS: Government needs to rethink Newport passport office closure

PCS: Government needs to rethink Newport passport office closure

PCS welcomes the Welsh Affairs Committee’s report published today on the future of the Newport passport office that raises serious concerns that the government had not appreciated the significance of the office to Wales and for the city.

A PCS spokesman said: “It is time for the government to rethink this vicious attack on the people of Newport. Closing the Newport office will have a massive impact not only on passport office staff and their families but also on the city centre and wider community.

“Ripping out the second biggest employer from the city centre has massive consequences in an area that has already suffered substantially. According to a report by economic analysts AECOM carried out for Newport City Council an estimated £11 million a year will be lost from the regional economy as a result of the closure and the loss of jobs in the city centre. In addition, £1 million in direct retail expenditure is expected to be lost in the already fragile city centre. There are also fears that £25 million of future employment investment could be at risk.

“You would expect a government to undertake a thorough economic impact assessment when taking such a big decision but it appears this coalition has completely failed to do this, showing utter disregard and contempt for the people of Newport and Wales as a whole. PCS remains committed to fighting to keep this office open and defending essential public services.”

ENDS

Notes to editors

. For further information, interviews and comment please contact Richard Simcox PCS national press officer on 020 7801 2747 or 07833 978216.

. PCS, the Public and Commercial Services Union is the union representing civil and public servants in central government. It has more than 300,000 members in over 200 departments and agencies. It also represents workers in parts of government transferred to the private sector. PCS is the UK’s sixth largest union and is affiliated to the TUC. The general secretary is Mark Serwotka and the president Janice Godrich.

Dave Tilley
Journalist
Public and Commercial Services Union
160 Falcon Road
London SW11 2LN

Direct line: 020 7801 2744
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