JOB seekers face a three mile walk or several pounds in bus fare to get to the Job Centre.

Yesterday the Evening Times reported on the proposal to shut seven in the city and the Cambuslang centre, moving them in some cases almost four miles away.

The closures are Maryhill, Castlemilk, Langside, Parkhead, Easterhouse Bridgeton, Anniesland.

A DWP boss in Scotland said the guidance on maximum extra distance to travel is between two and three miles and the time is around 20 minutes.

The only three subject to consultation are Bridgeton Castlemilk, and Maryhill because of the longer distance.

Denise Horsfall, DWP Work Services Director for Scotland said on Radio Scotland: “The travelling has been looked at. These neighbourhoods are next door to each other. It is longer, it’s between one and three miles.

“We’re not clear yet how many of our customers will have extra travel costs. That’s part of the consultation.”

She said the guidance was between two and three miles and around 20 minutes.

Using travel websites the distance from Maryhill to Springburn is three miles. The only direct bus is the number 8 which takes 31 minutes going a longer route via Cadder and Possilpark.

From Castlemilk to Newlands it is also three miles and using public transport would involve an 18 minute bus ride plus a 20 minute walk.

The alternative is a two bus trip via Eglinton Toll which would incur higher costs.

A return trip with First bus costs £3.75 and all day ticket is £4.50.

Jobseeker allowance for an over 25 year old is £73.10 a week and for 18 to 25 year old it is £57.90.

Patrick Grady, Glasgow North SNP MP said the extra time could lead to sanctions.

He said: “Maryhill jobseekers now face the prospect of travelling at least an extra half hour to reach the Springburn centre - meaning extra costs and an increased risk of sanctions if they are delayed.”

Stewart McDonald MP for Glasgow South which covers Castlemilk said the jobcentre is vital

He said: “Job centres provide thousands of Glaswegians with help and support every day, and whilst they don’t always get it right in the decisions that they make, there can be no question of the importance of a local one in your community.

“We were furious to learn that the Tory Government plans to slash the number of Job Centres in Glasgow by half - despite a national pledge to reduce by only 20%. Even more galling is the fact that they will only consult the public on two of the eight closures across the city: Castlemilk in my own constituency and Maryhill.

“ The impact that these closures will have on our communities will be incredibly damaging, and it’s clear that the government has no concept of the damage this will inflict - evidenced by the fact that a Tory Minister couldn’t tell me the distance from Castlemilk to Newlands or how long it would take on a bus.

“As ever with this Tory government, it’s just one assault after another on some of the hardest hit communities in the country .I hope politicians of all persuasions who represent Glasgow will join us in fighting these closures.”