INVERCLYDE'S MP has offered to cancel his summer holiday after it was announced that Port Glasgow Jobcentre will shut FIVE months earlier than planned.
Ronnie Cowan says he is happy to waive his annual leave in order to urgently meet with minister for employment Damian Hinds to discuss the imminent closure.
The MP has been told by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) that the Scarlow Street facility will shut on October 30, instead of March next year as originally planned.
Services and the 28 staff currently based there will switch to the Greenock branch when the axe falls.
Mr Cowan has made several calls for Mr Hinds to visit Inverclyde and discuss the closure.
After seven weeks the minister has finally replied and agreed to a meeting - but wants it in London instead.
In a recent parliamentary debate, Mr Cowan said: "I assure the minister that I will clear my diary and cancel my holidays, and will be there whatever day he wishes to come and visit Inverclyde."
Government officials say Mr Hinds is 'unable' to travel to Inverclyde for the meeting.
Mr Cowan, who is currently holidaying in London, said: "The DWP's decision to close the Port Glasgow Jobcentre is extremely disappointing and will undoubtedly push many vulnerable people into crisis.
"I wanted the minister to come to Inverclyde so he could experience and hopefully understand the geography of the area and the difficulties the closure will bring.
"Sitting in an office in Whitehall talking it over is not the same thing.
"I am disappointed that the minister has decided this stance, after talking seven weeks to consider my offer."
Mr Hinds maintains the merger between the Port and Greenock job centres is in order to make 'best use' of available space, offer a 'more efficient service' and deliver 'good value' for taxpayers.
DWP officials say there has been a sharp reduction in the number of people using the Scarlow Street branch in recent times.
A spokesperson said: "Port Glasgow Jobcentre Plus is becoming increasingly under-used, particularly as more of our services are offered online.
"Merging the jobcentre with our site in Greenock means we can continue to provide a first-rate level of service to our claimants."