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UK government moves forward with 10 jobcentre closures in Scotland

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UK government moves forward with 10 jobcentre closures in Scotland

The UK government has confirmed it is to close 10 job centres across Scotland, including six in Glasgow.

The Department of Work and Pensions has said it will save £140 million a year by merging 68 “smaller jobcentres” into larger ones.

The news has been met by criticism from politicians who believe the changes will harm the poorest people in Glasgow.

SNP MP Chris Stephens, who led a campaign against the closures, said: “We now know the so-called compassion Conservatism has lasted a mere two days. There is a clear link between those JobCentres earmarked for closure and areas of multiple deprivation.

“The UK government is shamefully yet to publish an equality impact assessment on those with disabilities and those with caring responsibilities.

“This is a brutal attack on the poorest and most vulnerable in our society as well public sector staff in the Department for Work and Pensions.

“What is now required from this UK government is a vote in the House of Commons on this issue and a reversal of this callous decision.”

Labour MP Paul Sweeney, Shadow Scotland minister, said: “Scottish Labour condemns this nonsensical decision from a Tory government that is completely out of touch.

“The UK government should be making it easier to get into the jobs market, not harder, especially in areas of Glasgow like Springburn in my constituency that should be a priority for supporting people getting into employment.

“Tory cuts to social security and new sanctions for low-paid workers will only increase demand for jobcentres, so it’s reckless and perverse for the government to close so many down.

“It is totally counter-productive and will see more of our most vulnerable slip through the social security safety net.

“If Scottish Tory leader Ruth Davidson has any decency she will condemn this decision unequivocally.

“It is now absolutely clear that this Tory government has no interest in helping people to find decent and secure work.”

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