STEWART PATERSON

Political Correspondent

THE UK Government has ignored calls to save Jobcentres in Glasgow by locating them with other services according to MPs.

Theresa May was challenged by Paul Sweeney, Glasgow North East MP, at Prime Minister’s questions on the closure of six Jobcentres in Glasgow, confirmed earlier this month by the UK Government.

The Prime Minister was asked about putting services together with community groups to keep the centres open.

Ms May avoided the question about locating with other services and instead said no services would be cut.

Mr Sweeney said afterwards: “The Tories think by somehow cutting six jobcentres that’s going to enhance the service.

“One solution is still to have co-location in local hubs with other services like Citizens Advice and third sector groups.

“But the DWP hasn’t even bothered to investigate that in Glasgow.

“The ultimate objective is to reduce the money going out in benefits and do so by frustrating people who need to access the service.”

In her response, Ms May said: “What is happening in relation to the Jobcentres in Scotland is we are ensuring we are using the estate to the best possible advantage.

“As a result of what is happening no services will be cut in fact services to people using jobcentres will be enhanced in future.

“I think what matters, is actually the services provided to people attending those Jobcentres.”

Earlier Mr Sweeney asked DWP minister, Damian Hinds, if the government would consider co-location with CAB and housing associations who have expressed an interest in sharing premises.

Mr Hinds said the government looked at such opportunities.

None are proposed for Glasgow.

Stewart McDonald, Glasgow South SNP MP, earlier asked Mr Hinds if would meet with Glasgow City Council to discuss what support will be given to third sector organisations who will face increased workload as a result of the closures.

He said “Given he’s going to close quite a lot of Jobcentres in Glasgow, does he not think he should sit down with Glasgow City Council, who are concerned that organisations like SAMH and the Prince’s trust and others are going to have to pick up the slack in supporting people into work.”

Mr Hinds ducked the question said the government speaks to local authorities and that Glasgow has more Jobcentres than any other large city in the UK.