Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, pursuant to the Answer of 10 February 2017 to Question 63189, what steps his Department plans to take for those employees at Eastern Avenue, Sheffield for whom a move would breach the mobility rule but who do not consent to a change.

The Department will not breach the mobility rules within employee’s contracts as part of proposals to relocate staff and services from the current Jobcentre at Eastern Avenue, Sheffield. If an employee were to move outside of their contractual mobility it would only be with their agreement. We expect all staff to be relocated to nearby offices. Individual meetings between local DWP managers and their staff began after the announcements on 26 January 2017 and this is an opportunity to discuss mobility or any other aspects of the proposals.

We recognise that DWP staff are our most valuable resource and we will continue to ensure that there is proper consultation with them and trade unions.