450 more jobs are to be created at the DVLA’s Swansea headquarters following the announcement that 39 of its regional offices are being axed.
The Government are centralising the driver agency and they are hoping that some of their current staff who are facing redundancy will transfer to Swansea.
There are currently three DVLA offices in Wales – in Swansea Vale, Bangor and Cardiff. The job cuts are part of the DVLA’s modernisation that will include more services online. It is estimated that the digital changeover will save around £26 million a year.
Mike Penning, the UK Roads Minister, said that the changes will deliver a “smarter service” and offer benefits for the motor industry and drivers.
He said: “I understand that the phased closure of the regional offices will come as a disappointment to those directly affected.
“I would like to thank the staff in these offices who have played an important part in DVLA service delivery over the years.”
The regional offices can complete a range of administrative functions from vehicle inspections to arranging trade plates for garages in Swansea and throughout the rest of the UK.
The changes to the DVLA have been welcomed by politician including Lib Dem South Wales West AM and Swansea councillor Peter Black who said: “Although this decision will have huge implications for other parts of the UK, the fact that the DVLA has chosen to consolidate its activities in Swansea is very welcome.”