Somerset Job Centres at Risk of Closure

4.00.00pm BST (GMT +0100) Fri 22nd Jun 2007

News that the government is on course to close both the Burnham and the Chard Job Centre Plus offices has been met with total condemnation by the Liberal Democrats on Somerset County Council and by David Laws MP.

As a suggestion for saving money (the Department of Work & Pensions calls it an 'efficiency challenge'), it ranks among the lowest and comes as a slap in the face for a team who have won awards for their services to the public and employers. Only last month, the Chard Office won a National Award, called 'Recognising Success', as they have been so successful in terms of increasing employment rates and reducing the numbers on Incapacity Benefit and Income Support. What a way to reward them!

The closure of the Burnham Job Centre would equally be a disaster. It's in a unique position because so much of the work is temporary and seasonal. People who are already low-paid would need to make a much longer journey in search of work, incurring up to £10-£12 in return bus fares. That's ok for some people, but many of the unemployed already have low self-confidence and clearly little income. Some may have limited mobility and even mental health problems.

The consultation with key stakeholders on the closures in Chard and Burnham takes place until early July. Local Lib Dem councillors are backing their MP in his bid to ask as many difficult questions as he can and do the necessary 'chest prodding' to make ministers see sense.

Deputy Leader of Somerset County Council (and Portfolio Holder for Adult & Community Services), Justin Robinson commented:

"In a rural area like Somerset, the government must provide better 'outreach' facilities for people of working age and work in partnership with the County Council, as the Pension Service does very successfully. Instead, it hopes people will be happy to sign up to a 'virtual service' but surely change should be about improvement, so what benefits would there be for individuals chasing work or businesses seeking staff? I am appalled to see yet another important service tossed aside in order to save money."

ENDS.