Shrewsbury DVLA staff in 24-hour strike action to save jobs

The Shrewsbury office was closed today along with the other 38 regional offices in England, Scotland and Wales due to the walkout, with staff at 10 enforcement offices also walking out.

The Government is aiming to move more services online and centralise the DVLA in Swansea next year.

But the Public and Commercial Services Union claims the changes will increase vehicle tax evasion and fraud.

Union bosses have delivered a petition signed by 72,000 people opposing the proposals to the Department for Transport.

Richard Cotterill, PCS rep for Shrewsbury, said efforts would be continuing to get ministers to change their minds.

"We have to be optimistic and keep on fighting. We know customers want the offices to stay open," he said.

PCS general secretary Mark Serwotka said: "As well as losing a high quality public service and more than 1,000 jobs at a time of high unemployment, we believe these closures will lead to increased vehicle tax evasion and fraud.

"We want the minister to listen to the overwhelming views of the public, motor traders and his staff, and to see sense and reverse these ill-thought-through and damaging closures."

Seventeen people are employed at the DVLA office in Shrewsbury, which is based on the Battlefield Enterprise Park.

Across the country, more than 1,200 workers will potentially be affected by the changes at 39 regional offices and 10 enforcement centres – almost 20 per cent of the DVLA's 6,100 staff.

The Government announced the closure plan last year, with roads minister Mike Penning suggesting the move could save £28 million per year.

He said at the time: "Centralising the DVLA's services is the first crucial step towards making more of its transactions available online, allowing people to deal with the DVLA at their chosen time and place. This will mean quicker turnarounds and meet our customers' growing needs."

By Chris Burn