Sheffield and Chesterfield workers facing sudden loss of jobs after 'shambolic' treatment by DWP given lifeline

Sheffield and Chesterfield workers who faced losing their jobs without any redundancy payout have been handed a potential lifeline.
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The staff, who are employed by IT company DXC and work at the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), have been given a two-week contract extension while DWP and DXC continue talks about their employment status.

The employees, who work for DWP in Sheffield, are in peril because from today (August 11) the contract between DXC and DWP was due to come to an end – and responsibility for employing the staff is being denied by both parties.

Sheffield Hallam MP Olivia Blake has called for 'urgent' clarity on the DWP jobs.Sheffield Hallam MP Olivia Blake has called for 'urgent' clarity on the DWP jobs.
Sheffield Hallam MP Olivia Blake has called for 'urgent' clarity on the DWP jobs.
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Chesterfield MP Toby Perkins has held talks with the DWP and welcomed the extension.

"I hope that this issue can be quickly resolved so that these workers can stay in their jobs which assist disabled employees,” the Labour MP said.

“It seems to me that these jobs should be transferred back into the public sector and I had another meeting today with senior civil servants at the DWP and a government minister to push for this on behalf of DXC staff.

Chesterfield MP Toby Perkins says the treatment of the workers has been 'shambolic'.Chesterfield MP Toby Perkins says the treatment of the workers has been 'shambolic'.
Chesterfield MP Toby Perkins says the treatment of the workers has been 'shambolic'.

"The way this has been handled has been shambolic and the uncertainty and lack of communication with these workers has caused a great deal of stress and upset.

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"I have also suggested that both legal teams meet up and try to reach a resolution as soon as possible, rather than let this go to a lengthy legal battle, that would leave these eight workers without jobs or redundancy, and potentially cost the taxpayer a lot of money in legal fees.”

Olivia Blake, MP for Sheffield Hallam, said employees at DXC ‘urgently need clarity’ over their future.

"I’m glad the DWP and DXC have extended the contract to facilitate further negotiations on what will happen to these workers, but TUPE arrangements should have been put in place months ago,” she said.

"Now we need a firm timetable for transferring these staff to the DWP.”

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A DWP spokesperson said: “DWP is unable to comment on the circumstances of longstanding DXC employees. We never want to see anyone lose their jobs and will continue to talk with DXC, who we urge to do right by their staff.”

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