JOB LOSSES IN JOBCENTRE PLUS

Early day motion 104, tabled 23 November 2004 by Michael Weir (Scottish National Party). Signed by 10 members.

That this House is concerned that the announcement by the Department for Work and Pensions on job reductions in Jobcentre Plus offices in Scotland will severely damage the service provided by Jobcentres; notes that whilst the official statement related to closures of Jobcentres in Perth, Kirkcaldy, Coatbridge and Hamilton, local managers have informed staff that many more backroom benefit processing staff will lose their jobs as a result of centralisation of services, including staff in Arbroath and Dundee; believes previous centralisation of services has led to a reduction in service to the general public and that the proposed reductions will lead to a further reduction in service, especially in rural and remote areas; and calls upon the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions to reverse the decision.

Signatures by party: Scottish National Party 5, Labour 3, Liberal Democrat 1, Plaid Cymru 1.