TRANSPORT workers in Swansea will today join colleagues across the country campaigning against plans to close dozens of DVLA regional offices.

The DVLA is looking to close its 39 regional offices and centralise all staff at its headquarters in Clase.

If the plans are given the go ahead it would see all regional offices closed by the end of 2013, affecting around 1,200 workers.

Around 800 people would lose their jobs with 400 staff potentially being offered the option to relocate to the DVLA HQ.

The Public and Commercial Services (PCS) union has labelled the closure plans devastating.

The DVLA employs 30 staff at its regional office in Swansea Vale.

PCS Union members at the office will today join colleagues across the country to protest against the planned closures.

PCS representative Dave Warren has worked for the DVLA in Swansea for more than 30 years and, speaking on behalf of the union, said: "Our people in the local office network are horrified and worried about their futures.

"The figure of 400 new jobs coming to Swansea is not necessarily correct.

"Discussions we've had with management show that there is a lot of uncertainty about the number of new jobs that might be created.

"It might well be short of 400 new jobs.

Small

"There is no guarantee that whatever new jobs do come here will be permanent jobs.

"Even if there were 400 new jobs the number of people who could be re- deployed is relatively small.

"If you worked in Glasgow or Inverness it is unlikely you would consider transferring to Swansea especially if you had a family in that area."

Union general secretary Mark Serwotka said: "We will not sit back and watch while jobs and highly-prized public services are stripped away. Our local economies are crying out for support and investment, not more cuts.

"The closure plans are not based on what the people who use these services say they want and need, but on a politically motivated desire to unpick our public services."

DVLA chief executive Simon Tse said: "The DVLA has been serving motorists for over 40 years in one form or another.

"But times change and customers' needs change.

"That is why it's essential that we move with the times and make the best use of our services and experience to make sure we give the motor industry and the general public a service that is fit for the 21st century, allows them to carry out their business in a way that suits them and offers the best value for money for the taxpayer.

"A public consultation runs until March 20. No decisions will be made until the consultation period has ended and all responses have been considered."

rupert.hall@swwmedia.co.uk