Department of Work and Pensions advertising 60 new jobs in Sheffield as Doncaster closure moves forward

The DWP is advertising 60 new administrative officer roles based at Hartshead Square in Sheffield, with the deadline for applications this Thursday.

The new employees will be based in the DWP’s newly-formed “Flexible Resource Team”, which “exists specifically to respond to planned and unexpected changes in departmental priorities or surges in work”.

The job advert states: “We are looking for candidates who will help us deliver excellent customer service, and who embrace change and new ways of working.”​

It comes amidst controversial plans to partially close DWP’s main offices in Doncaster at Crossgates House next year, with 160 workers offered the chance to move to Sheffield, 20 miles away.

Local MPs in Doncaster have argued that the move will have a negative impact on the new city’s local economy and as such, runs contrary to the Government’s levelling up agenda.

They also say some staff will be unable to take up roles in Sheffield under the restructure plans.

The DWP has offered all affected Doncaster staff the chance to relocate to Sheffield.

Following the announcement of the 60 new jobs being advertised in Sheffield, The Yorkshire Post asked the DWP whether the new roles are connected to the closure plans in Doncaster.

A DWP spokesperson said in response: “As part of our plans to improve our services and to help more people into employment, we are closing some poorer, older offices where there are better premises close by that our services and staff can move to, so jobseekers receive our help in an upgraded, more modern environment.”