Birkdale rallies as 'second biggest employer in town' threatens closure
by Wesley Holmes · Liverpool EchoThe Smedly Hydro offices on Trafalgar Road are under review for closure by 2030
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Worried office workers rallied in Birkdale today, September 6, amid swirling rumours of an upcoming closure. Around 1,400 people are employed at The Smedly Hydro offices on Trafalgar Road - some of who stand to lose their jobs should the building shutter its doors.
The offices are currently under review for closure by the Government Property Agency. The building holds staff from the General Register Office, HM Passport Office, the Home Office and NHS Digital, and is one of the largest employers in the Southport area.
The jobs currently housed in the building would likely be moved to Liverpool and Preston should the offices shut by 2030. But workers have expressed concerns regarding the relocation of staff and the impact it will have on people's finances.
The Public and Commercial Services (PCS) Union continues to fight against the possible closure, as they gathered in Birkdale today to rally support.
Patrick Hurley MP met with staff at Smedley Hydro to hear their concerns over the site's future ahead of a meeting with the Government
1 of 14As many as 1,400 jobs could be lost if the government decides to close a Merseyside facility as part of a review. Proposals to close the building in north Merseyside would not only have a "significant effect on the local economy" but would also see a change in the lives of many living in the area.
2 of 14Smedly Hydro in Birkdale, Southport, has seen news coverage in recent months as it was revealed the offices on Trafalgar Road are under review by the government.
3 of 14If the offices were closed, the jobs currently housed there would likely be moved to Liverpool and Preston
4 of 14Sarah, who has worked at the offices for around three years having previously been a teacher, told the ECHO: "The impact on the staff is massive. They accept the jobs thinking they're going to be working in Southport. It's not like we're right next to a city and if they were to move us to Preston or Manchester, the transport links aren't great."
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"There are all sorts of issues with people having to work further away, whether it's travel or sorting care for children and adults."
6 of 14"Andy Burnham says he want to power up the north but how about powering up Southport? We could show how Southport and coastal towns can be economically viable. But if you don't have the jobs in Southport then what does the town have in terms of opportunities?"
7 of 14"Smedley Hydro is the second biggest employer in the town behind the NHS, how can they get rid of it from a town that is already short on employment? Taking away opportunities for skilled workers, because that is what we are, would have a devastating effect on the town and community."
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The Public and Commercial Services (PCS) is demanding the offices stay open, with the building and its workers proving vital to both the people and economy of Birkdale and Southport. Southport MP Patrick Hurley has since supported the union's efforts.
9 of 14PCS general secretary, Fran Heathcote said: "This is not simply a question of moving desks from one building to another. For our members, this is about their jobs, their livelihoods and whether they will be able to continue working for the Home Office at all.
10 of 14"People have built their lives around being based in Southport. Some colleagues have disabilities or caring responsibilities and rely on the accessibility of this site to get to work."
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"The Home Office needs to look at the whole picture. The site is fit for purpose, the workforce is highly skilled and experienced, and there has already been significant investment in the building."
12 of 14"The potential of disrupting a specialist national service by losing experienced staff should not be worth the risk.”
13 of 14"I want it to be really clear that we as the Home Office have all come together. Managers, senior leadership, everyone are being very supportive of this campaign to keep these jobs in the area."
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