Proposals to close the Smedley Hydro office in Birkdale in Southport “would have a significant effect on the local economy” says the trade union fighting to keep it open.
The Public and Commercial Services (PCS) Union has set out a long list of reasons why the facility, on Trafalgar Road, must be kept open.
They are inviting people to come along and support a rally they are organising in Birkdale Village on Sunday 6th September 2026 from 11am.
The union is eager to raise awareness of the situation and seek support from the local community.
Smedley Hydro houses staff from the General Register Office, HM Passport Office, the Home Office and NHS Digital, making it one of the largest employers in the Southport area.
A PCS Union spokesperson said:
“Smedley Hydro is one of Southport’s largest employers, providing skilled, secure jobs that are important to both the local community and the delivery of a unique national service.
“Our members’ primary concern is the impact any relocation could have on staff, particularly those with disabilities, health conditions, or caring responsibilities. Many employees rely on the site’s accessibility features, including disabled parking, onsite parking, and local transport arrangements, to enable them to work. We are concerned that reasonable adjustments may not be fully considered in any relocation plans and that increased travel times could make it difficult for some colleagues to continue working their contracted hours.
“There are also concerns about the wider personal and financial impact on employees. Some staff accepted Southport-based roles specifically because of the location and made career decisions based on working close to home. Others left previous employment to join the organisation without any indication that the site’s future was uncertain.
“For many, longer commutes would create significant challenges around childcare, caring responsibilities, transport costs, and work-life balance. Some members have indicated they may have no option but to leave employment, seek voluntary redundancy, or take early retirement if work is moved away from Southport.
“Members also question the rationale for closure. The Smedley Hydro site is a suitable, well-maintained building that has benefited from significant investment, including a new roof, a new heating system, and double glazing. It offers substantial onsite parking, including disabled parking spaces, and provides an accessible working environment for many employees.
“While many members believe the proposal may be driven by the value of the land, we do not believe the full costs of relocation have been adequately assessed. These costs could include excess fares, redundancy payments, recruitment and training of replacement staff, reasonable adjustments for employees unable to use public transport, and the loss of experienced and specialist colleagues. Any business case should fully recognise these financial and operational impacts.
“There are also serious practical questions about relocating specialist equipment, services, and secure records from a site that has supported this work for decades. The potential loss of skilled and experienced staff presents a significant risk to business continuity and service delivery.
“Beyond the direct impact on employees, closure of the site would have a significant effect on the local economy.
“Southport has already experienced the loss of major public sector employers, including jobs from the Town Hall and the Tax Office. Many residents feel the town has been in decline for a number of years, and the loss of Smedley Hydro would represent another significant blow to local employment, local businesses, and the wider community.
“Staff contribute to the local economy every day by using shops, cafés, and services in Southport and Birkdale, and that spending would be at risk if jobs were relocated elsewhere.
“Such is the strength of feeling among staff and the local community that we are holding a rally in Birkdale Village on Sunday 6th September 2026 at 11am to highlight the importance of retaining these skilled jobs in Southport and to demonstrate support for the future of the site.
“”Members remain hopeful that the site can remain open in the long term. The building is fit for purpose, the workforce is highly skilled and experienced, and the site plays an important role within both the organisation and the local economy. We believe all options should be thoroughly explored, with meaningful consultation and transparency throughout the process, before any final decision is made.”
Earlier this week, staff at Smedley Hydro shared their concerns with Southport MP Patrick Hurley ahead of a meeting with Government ministers on the matter.
During a visit organised by the PCS Union, Mr Hurley spoke directly with employees about the uncertainty surrounding the potential closure of the site and the impact any relocation could have on their jobs, families and day-to-day lives.
Employees also questioned the practicalities of moving specialist services currently based at Smedley Hydro, including the relocation of specialist machinery and equipment and the secure handling of records and documents.
Patrick Hurley will now take the concerns raised by staff into his forthcoming discussions with the Government as he continues to make the case for retaining the site and its skilled workforce in Southport.
He has previously written to Paymaster General Nick Thomas-Symonds MP and has continued to engage with the Government, PCS Union, local stakeholders and workers over the future of Smedley Hydro.
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