Centre saved
Cambuslang and Castlemilk spared the axe
Cambuslang and Castlemilk job centres have been saved from closure.
The Department for Work and Pensions confirmed they were shelving the plans to shut both facilities but would press on with the closure of six other centres in the Glasgow area.
Cambuslang and Castlemilk job centres have been saved from closure.
The Department for Work and Pensions confirmed they were shelving the plans to shut both facilities, but would press on with the closure of six other centres in the Glasgow area.
A spokeswoman for the DWP told the Reformer Cambuslang was saved after they assessed the situation in Rutherglen and Cambuslang.
She said: “We always said that our proposals were not final and we would consult and assess before making final decisions.
“We will keep Cambuslang Jobcentre - rather than move it into Rutherglen - because more detailed assessment revealed future job centre services would be better delivered from the two offices.”
Plans to shut Castlemilk were scrapped after a public consultation and the scheme could even be in line for a more modern facility.
The spokeswoman added: “While we don’t believe that the building is suitable in the long-term because there is insufficient space and the building is of poor quality, we will keep it open for a short period subject to lease negotiations.
“During this period we will look for a new site for this branch in the local community.”
The news was welcomed by Cambuslang Community Council, who had opposed the Cambuslang plans.
Chair, David Thomson, said: “We are relieved and pleased that the Cambuslang Jobcentre is to be retained.
“It should never have been threatened with closure given the vital role that it plays in providing local welfare and employment support, as well as the jobs that it provides.
“Public sector employment is also vital for the viability of our town centre. We are grateful for the campaign run by our elected members, including our former MP Margaret Ferrier, to save the job centre.”
Ms Ferrier had campaigned for the retention of the centre before her defeat in last month’s general election and said she was “delighted that we have forced the Tories into a U-turn.”
She added: “Today’s announcement is a victory for the local community and I’m proud to have been able to have played a part in it.”
Clare Haughey MSP also welcomed the news, saying: “Job centres play an important role in supporting people who are seeking work.
“They are also an important point of contact for local businesses that are looking to recruit and for local and national initiatives that seek to support people into work, as well as encouraging growth and opportunity for all.”
Current MP Gerard Killen said that while the news was welcome, the government’s attitude to job centres was “utterly disgraceful.”
He added: “The UK government should be making it easier to get into the jobs market, not harder. The contempt shown by Theresa May to areas like Cambuslang is deplorable and unfortunately keeping Cambuslang’s Jobcentre is just one good result for campaigners out of the Conservative party’s agenda against working people.”
It should never have been threatened with closure given the vital role that it plays