Jobless face huge trek to apply for benefits

People seeking employment in a Renfrewshire village are having to travel 11 miles for a Jobcentre appointment.

Universal Credit claimants living in Bridge of Weir must attend Greenock Jobcentre for their initial appointment.

Their closest Jobcentre in Johnstone, just three miles away, isn’t able to process Universal Credit applications yet.

Gavin Newlands, MP for Paisley and Renfrewshire North, has raised the issue in Parliament.

He said: “I was shocked to find out that some Universal Credit claimants from Bridge of Weir are being told that they have to make a 20-mile plus round trip to attend appointments at the Greenock Jobcentre, when there is a closer one just a few miles away in Johnstone.

“I have heard from people having to walk for miles as they can’t afford the near £8 bus fare.”

People from the PA11 postcode are included in the full Universal Credit rollout area, unlike most of Renfrewshire.

Previously, they had to attend appointments in Port Glasgow, but, after the closure of that Jobcentre, claimants living in Bridge of Weir now have to travel even further to Greenock.

“I have contacted the Department of Work and Pensions and they have confirmed that, after the initial appointment, people are able to request appointments in Johnstone,” Mr Newlands added.

“But this is little comfort to anyone struggling to make it to the initial appointment in Greenock to get their claim up and running.

“This is just one of the numerous issues with the Universal Credit rollout, which is causing hardship for people all over the country.

“I have written to the leader of the House to request support for claimants from Bridge of Weir to help with their travel costs. “