​Closing Jobcentres will disproportionately affect those on low incomes

A leading charity has slammed the Department of Work and Pensions for its plans to shut jobcentres in Glasgow.

One Parent Families Scotland (OPFS) said in a consultation on the issue that the move would resign more people into poverty.

The charity listed a range of concerns including childcare problems, travel costs and that sanctions would be a greater threat under the proposed closure regime.

Some 20 jobcentres in Scotland are set to close as well as eight DWP administrative centres.

Marion Davis, head of policy at OPFS said: “There are so many reasons why this decision goes against the needs of the local community that we feel it is completely unacceptable and we strongly believe the current proposals should be reconsidered.”

The House of Commons’ Scottish Affairs Committee is hearing from the church of Scotland, Bridgeton Citizens Advice and the Poverty Alliance today (7 February) as well as employment minister Damian Hinds on the closures.

Rev Dr Martin Johnstone, secretary of the Church of Scotland’s Church and Society Council,said: “When you look at where the closures are planned and then look at Glasgow’s poorest communities, they match.

“This decision, unless it can be reversed, will have the sharpest impact on people living in neighbourhoods where there is the highest levels of poor health, the greatest levels of disability, often the poorest access to public transport and the lowest rates of car ownership.

“Intentional or otherwise this is an attack of some of the poorest people living in some of the poorest neighbourhoods. It is a disgrace.”