The Department for Work and Pensions are proposing to close Phoenix House in Barrow-in-Furness by March 2018 in order to save money. The office processes claims for Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit, Constant Attendance Allowance, Exceptionally Severe Disablement Allowance and the Pneumoconiosis (Workers' Compensation) Act 1979 and 2008 Mesothelioma Scheme. 

We oppose the closure of the office and believe the knowledge and experience DWP has invested in should be retained. 

• 70+ jobs are at risk leaving staff in fear of compulsory redundancy with little chance of redeployment in the local area. 
• Over 1000 combined years of experience helping victims of asbestos related lung diseases and industrial disease will be lost.
• Excellent working relationships with Asbestos Support Groups, Unions and Charities will end.
• Sufferers of terminal illnesses and their families will have to wait longer to receive payment and peace of mind at the most difficult of times.

Industrial disease has had and continues to have a devastating effect on workers and families throughout the country meaning this proposed closure could have an effect on every worker in the land.

If we wish to maintain the standard of service offered to sufferers of asbestos related cancers and other industrial related conditions then staff must be retained in Barrow.