SNP MPs have today outlined their demands over the planned “callous closures” of eight job centres across Glasgow, following a meeting with the Minister of State for the Department of Work and Pensions.
SNP MP Stewart McDonald, whose constituency includes two of the identified job centres due for closure, commented:
“The meeting today with the Minister was one of outlining our deep concerns and objections to the planned closures to job centres across many of our constituencies and that will hit many hard-pressed families.
“The DWP have so far avoided any public attention towards the consultation so it was a small yet significant victory that the government will now put the public consultation online and extend until the end of January 2017. The Minister must now ensure that the claimants affected by the callous closures are notified so that they can have their say.
“Our demands on behalf of our constituents across the city are holding this government to account and to ensure that before any of these cuts go ahead due process has been adhered to.
“We pressed the Minister to ensure that those affected must have a say, their concerns must be heard, and for many, their challenges and difficulties, including any disabilities, must be examined. Currently, the DWP’s approach and research has been nothing short of indifferent, shabby and simply shameful."