Closing Jobcentres is completely illogical
CORBYN CALLS FOR GOVERNMENT RETHINK Labour leader slams ‘punitive’ Tories
THE Government are on a “completely illogical path” with their welfare policies, Jeremy Corbyn told his supporters yesterday.
The Labour leader attacked plans to close Jobcentres and benefits offices as he addressed a rally in Coatbridge.
Trade union members are protesting against the closure of the Department for Work and Pensions centre in the town, which will see 250 workers moved to Motherwell and Glasgow.
The Public and Commercial Services union have raised concerns about the impact on the local economy.
Addressing crowds of union members and protesters outside a shopping centre, Corbyn called for the closure programme to be halted. He also criticised UK Government reforms to the benefits system – including the introduction of Universal Credit aimed at streamlining claimants’ payments – and the use of sanctions.
He said: “There are those that would seek to divide those who work behind the counter or at a call centre or in a Jobcentre from those on the other side who need that help and support, and often need that advice.
“The fact we are united in opposing that closure and opposing those job losses shows the kind of world, the kind of society, that we want to live in.
“The Government are on some completely illogical path at the present time.
“They are bringing in Universal Credit with all the problems associated with that. Many people are losing out and getting less benefit as a result.
“They are imposing a sanctions regime which is often punitive on people going through difficulties.”
He added: “I don’t blame those who work in the DWP, I blame those who made the rules and the regulations.
“I say to the Government: Halt this closure programme, halt the closure of the centre due to close in September.
“Instead, think about the role of government in supporting people and about the punitive way in which you operate your regimes.”
A DWP spokesman said: “Our site at Coatbridge is unsuitable for our future needs and would require significant investment to become the modern, digital working environment we want for our staff.”