Closure of Jobcentre blasted at Holyrood

FAILURE TO CONSULT CONDEMNED

- JUDITH TONNER

Outraged Clare Haughey has demanded a rethink on the controversial plan

The closure of Cambuslang Jobcentre was highlighted at the Scottish Parliament by local MSP Clare Haughey - who criticised a lack of public consultation over the decision and is continuing to campaign for its retention alongside hundreds of local residents who have supported her petition.

She called the buildings-based justification for the decision to move out of its premises in the town "risible" and said: "It feels like the decision has been made by someone who could not point to Cambuslang on a map."

Now Holyrood's business minister will be following the Rutherglen constituency representative's lead in writing to the UK government to protest against the loss of the facility, after Ms Haughey led a debate at the Scottish Parliament on a motion which "condemns the proposed closure of Jobcentres across the UK, including Cambuslang".

The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) announced in July that the Main Street centre is to close as part of its plans "to leave older, poorer-quality buildings where there is a suitable Jobcentre nearby offering better, more suitable accommodation" with Ms Haughey saying the explanation given for the plans is that the move will "reduce the department's property footprint and provide better value for money for the taxpayer".

She told the Reformer: "It is outrageous that this announcement was made without any prior consultation with elected members, communities, service users or DWP unions or employees; there has also been no equality impact assessment on those with disabilities and those with caring responsibilities."