§ Mr. Cohenasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what recent changes there have been in the service offered to the public at the Woodgrange Park road, Newham office of his Department; how many hours (a)a day and (b) a week the office is currently open; what alternative arrangements have been made for claimants.; and if he will make resources available for the restoration of a full service.
§ Mr. PortilloFrom the beginning of the year, public opening hours at Woodgrange Park office have been reduced intermittently from the normal 9.30 to 3.30 pm. From 10–20 June callers to the office were seen by appointment only, with an effective system to identify and admit instances of special need. These restrictions in the 39W service were caused by trained staff vacancies and industrial action by some staff. Since then with the assistance of additional staff from regional reserve resources, normal opening hours have been maintained. The exception to this was 25 and 26 June when the office was again closed as part of a national campaign of industrial action. The regional reserve staff currently working at this office will be retained until an additional 24 permanent posts, recently added to the office's complement, are recruited and trained.