BIS to close Sheffield office
BIS Permanent Secretary announces plans for the closure of St Paul’s Place office in Sheffield.
Plans to start the process to close the BIS office in Sheffield (St Paul’s Place) by 2018 have been announced today (28 January 2016) by the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills Permanent Secretary Martin Donnelly.
The move will create a combined central HQ and policy centre in London.
Around 6 business centres will also be established across the country. Each one will focus on a key business activity so that BIS can bring the relevant expertise together, move people quickly to new priorities and build capability.
Speaking at the Sheffield offices this morning, Martin Donnelly said:
Today’s announcement is part of implementing our BIS 2020 strategic plans to modernise the way we work, reduce operating costs and deliver a simpler, smaller department that is more flexible and responsive to stakeholders and businesses.
Our operating model needs to be designed in a way that works for this smaller workforce with more streamlined structures.
The decision to close Sheffield by 2018 has not been taken lightly. The unions are being consulted and will be involved throughout the process.
It is my top priority that all our staff are fully briefed and consulted on the process. We will provide comprehensive support to all those facing a potential change or loss of job.
In relation to the new business centres, we will be working closely with our Partner Bodies over the coming months to develop firm plans for their office locations.