Corbyn blasts ‘illogical’ Tory welfare policies

THE UK Government is on a “completely illogical path” with its welfare policies, Jeremy Corbyn has told his supporters.

The Labour leader attacked plans to close jobcentres and benefits offices as he addressed a rally in Coatbridge.

Trade union members are protesting the shutdown of the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) centre in the town, which could see 250 workers moved to Motherwell and Glasgow.

The Public and Commercial Services (PCS) union has raised concerns about the impact on the local economy.

The shutdown is part of a wider plan to close processing sites and jobcentres across the UK.

Addressing crowds of union members and protesters outside a shopping centre, Mr 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.

“There are those that would seek to divide those who work behind the counter or at a call centre in a jobcentre from those on the other side who need that help and need that support, and often need that advice,” he said.

Today Mr Corbyn will pledge to protect the free bus pass as he meets pensioners on the latest leg of his tour of Scotland.

The UK Labour leader will be in Fife where he will restate his party’s commitment to the concessionary travel scheme. the day after a consultation was launched on raising the age at which Scots can obtain the pass.