DWP Staff Warn of Universal Credit Delays as Lincoln Centre Closes
More than 120 Department for Work and Pensions employees are facing job losses with the imminent closure of the Lincoln Support Centre, sparking warnings that vulnerable families on Universal Credit will suffer payment delays as a result.
‘We’ve been let down’ says union representative
Speaking at a picket line outside Lincoln City Hall, Ian Fisher, the Lincolnshire and Rutland branch chair for the DWP, revealed the profound impact of the decision. He stated that many of the affected staff are long-serving civil servants who have dedicated 20 to 30 years to their roles.
"Most of us have been here for 20 or 30 years," Ian told the Local Democracy Reporting Service. "Many are the lowest-paid civil servants who are facing a bleak future in a place where there’s already high unemployment."
Fisher expressed deep disappointment with the lack of support following the redundancy announcement. "When we found we were going to be made redundant, there was a promise of support, but that’s not happened. We’ve been really let down by the DWP."
Vulnerable claimants face payment delays
The staff facing redundancy perform crucial back-office functions, specifically ensuring that child-related elements of Universal Credit are processed accurately and on time. Their positions will not be replaced, raising serious concerns about the administrative capacity to handle claims.
"Most of these are back-of-house staff who make sure child-related elements of Universal Credit are made correctly and on time," Fisher explained. "They won’t be replaced, and there will be delays for the most vulnerable Universal Credit recipients."
He challenged the rationale behind the cuts, pointing to existing processing times as evidence that the department is not overstaffed. "To be told my work isn’t needed is frankly ridiculous. You only have to look at how long it takes claims to get processed to see we aren’t overstaffed."
Fisher also highlighted the civil service's role as a vital employer for those who struggle elsewhere, adding that the closure shows "no thought about the effect on the local economy or disabled people who work for the department."
Redeployment and official response
Affected staff have been offered potential redeployment to offices in Nottingham or Sheffield, both located more than 40 miles away, a significant distance for daily commuting.
When contacted for comment regarding the strike action, a DWP spokesperson referred to a previous statement. They emphasised that the closure would not impact the Lincoln Jobcentre, which remains fully operational, nor affect the vital services delivered to customers.
"We continue to engage with trade union representatives to support colleagues, with redeployment opportunities wherever possible," the spokesperson said.
