Major changes to the DVLA will see the closure of all regional offices, affecting the jobs of 1,213 workers.
The 39 local offices and 10 enforcement centres will start to be phased out in October 2013 on the wake of major changes to some of the DVLA’s services.
“I understand that the phased closure of the regional offices will come as a disappointment to those directly affected,” says Roads Minister, Mike Penning, who oversaw the proposed improvements to the DVLA. “I would like to thank the staff in these offices who have played an important part in DVLA service delivery over the years.”
Most of the DVLA’s current functions will be made available online or centralised to the main office in Swansea.
Simon Tse, Chief Executive of DVLA, says that the main priority going forward is to provide support and guidance to vulnerable workers.
“We are working closely with the Public and Commercial Services union and those members of staff directly affected”, says Simon Tse, who goes on to say staff will be encouraged “to explore all avenues, including possible relocation to Swansea or redeployment within the Civil Service.”
DVLA are expected to save £26million from the cuts and believe that the new centralised and digital movement will benefit motorists by providing quicker and easier services.
“We are absolutely committed to delivering the best service we can”, continues Simon Tse. “[the changes] will make it easier for motorists to deal with us in a way that suits them.”
Northern Ireland will also get access to the same range of services the rest of the UK has had for years.
The key changes will include a significant increase in digital options and increased amount of front office services available throughout the country.
A full list of changes are available here.
