INVERCLYDE’S MP has branded the closure of Port Glasgow Jobcentre a ‘disgrace’ and demanded a u-turn.

Ronnie Cowan asked an urgent question in the House of Commons yesterday regarding the planned shutdown of offices, including the one in the Port, which is to be axed by March next year.

Mr Cowan sought assurances from parliamentary under secretary of state for welfare delivery, Caroline Nokes MP, that the quality of services provided by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) at jobcentres will be maintained.

Ms Nokes, who claims the closures will help save taxpayers £180 million a year for the next decade, highlighted how more people are accessing services online

But Mr Cowan said: “This is an utter disgrace and could push vulnerable people further into crisis what with added travel, distance and costs placed upon individuals, many of whom have very little or no funds to pay for that commute.

“What assurances can the minister provide my constituents that they will still have readily available access to jobcentre and DWP services?”

The jobcentre employs 28 staff who are to move to the Dalrymple Street office in Greenock.

Mr Cowan raised concerns about the impact the closure will have on constituents and the staff they have built relationships with. 

Ms Nokes replied: “It’s critical we seek to maintain that relationship between work coaches and the claimants they have been working with, which is why we will be seeking to replicate that when work coaches move to a new jobcentre.”