By James Johnson

Last updated at 12:37, Thursday, 25 October 2012

Staff at a benefit processing centre will continue working until at least next March despite the building being put on the market.

Rufus House

Fears of job losses were sparked when the Rufus House building on Castle Street in Carlisle was put up for sale by chartered surveyors Edwin Thompson.

But a Department for Work and Pensions spokesman confirmed that staff are still working at the building, although some have been relocated into other DWP facilities.

Concerns began more than a year ago when 157 staff were told that the centre would be considered for closure.

It was one of 17 nationally that was earmarked for closure last year.

A DWP spokesman said: “Rufus House operates as our benefits centre and we don’t know anything about the building’s sale.

“We have moved a number of staff out of the building and they’ve been redeployed into other local offices.

“There continues to be staff working there and they will be working there well into the first quarter of 2013.”

This is despite Edwin Thompson offering the building for sale earlier in the month.

John Haley, from Edwin Thompson, said: “The accommodation provides letting opportunities for existing office use from 5,800sq ft or alternatively, consideration will be given to selling the freehold of the premises with vacant possession.

“The property may also be suitable for alternative uses, subject to planning.”

The building, which was built on the open market, has 28,500sq ft of floor space, and was built in 1963.

As far back as 2002, staff at the building decided to take part in a nationwide strike over safety of workers.

Last month the building’s car park collapsed, causing pieces of rubble and road to fall into Carlisle’s Nixon School of Dance and Performing Arts.

First published at 12:12, Thursday, 25 October 2012
Published by http://www.newsandstar.co.uk