Jobcentres plan ‘raises pressure on the poorest’
THE Department of Work and Pensions has ignored the potential for people being pushed deeper into poverty by plans to shut half of Glasgow’s Jobcentres, ministers have been told.
One Parent Families Scotland (OPFS) 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 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.”
Others added fears about changes to benefit conditions under new Universal credit rules.
Another respondent said: “I am finding it a struggle as it is, trying to work 20 hours a week with two kids.
“To have to increase my hours or wage in my current job or find new additional employment is going to be very stressful and on top of that travel to a Jobcentre that’s three miles away, who are they kidding.”
One Parent Families Scotland do not believe the additional responsibilities many lone parents have has been considered in this exercise.
One woman said as well as looking after her children she looks after her elderly mother. She said: “Having to travel further to a Jobcentre will mean leaving mum on her own with no support and care for a longer time.”
Ms Davis said that co-location of services should be considered to keep Jobcentres in the community as part of a network of support.
She added: “Single parents have told OPFS they see local Jobcentres as being part of a network of services and we believe they should remain open.
“OPFS believes it’s unacceptable to make changes with such a significant impact without allowing single parents and other service users more input and an opportunity to make their voice heard.”
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.