THE DWP has ignored the potential for people being pushed deeper into poverty by plans to shut half of Glasgow’s Jobcentres which is a disgraceful attack on the poorest, ministers have been told.

One Parent Families Scotland has told the DWP it will have the opposite effect of helping people into work in many cases.

In its submission to the consultation, OPFS took soundings from members and listed a range of concerns including childcare problems, travel costs and living under the constant fear of sanctions being amplified.

Marion Davis, Head of Policy at OPFS said she was “appalled” at the plans.

She said; “There are so many reasons why this decision goes against the needs of the local community that we feel it is completely unacceptable and we strongly believe the current proposals should be reconsidered.”

She said there was in increase in single parents suffering anxiety and depression because of the constant fear of being sanctioned.

Ms Davis added: “Closures of local Jobcentre offices will add to this severe pressure.”

Travel to get to and from the proposed new offices is a big concern both for meeting appointment times and affording the bus fare.

Of the trip from Maryhill to Springburn in one case, a parent in the survey said: “Sometimes I run out of money so would need to walk. I have a child at nursery so I would need to ensure I was back within the three hours my child is allocated to collect her on time.”

The Church of Scotland is this week also demanding the plans are halted.

Rev Dr Martin Johnstone, Secretary of the Church of Scotland’s Church and Society Council, is giving evidence to the Scottish Affairs Committee at Westminster tomorrow on the closures.

He said: “When you look at where the closures are planned and then look at Glasgow’s poorest communities, they match.

“This decision, unless it can be reversed, will have the sharpest impact on people living in neighbourhoods where there is the highest levels of poor health, the greatest levels of disability, often the poorest access to public transport and the lowest rates of car ownership.

“Intentional or otherwise this is an attack of some of the poorest people living in some of the poorest neighbourhoods. It is a disgrace.”

The Church has also heard directly from people who will be impacted by the closure plans if allowed to go ahead.

Rev Dr Johnstone, said: “They are deeply worried about the extra costs of buses, the fear of being late and getting sanctioned and the worry of trying to fit in an appointment between dropping off and picking up children from school and nursery.

“We urge UK Ministers to think again and take these proposals off the table.”

The Scottish Affairs Committee is hearing from the church of Scotland, Bridgeton Citizens Advice and the Poverty Alliance,as well as Employment Minister, Damian Hinds tomorrow on the closures.