STANTON SLAMS CLOSURE OF BERMONDSEY JOB CENTRE (Southwark Liberal Democrats)

Southwark Liberal Democrats <info@southwark-libdems.org.uk>

STANTON SLAMS CLOSURE OF BERMONDSEY JOB CENTRE

May 22, 2007 4:06 PM

Cllr Nick Stanton, Liberal Democrat Leader of Southwark Council and councillor for Riverside ward, has slammed the decision by Jobcentre Plus (the Government organisation running job centres) to close the job centre in Bermondsey. Many local people will now have to pay to travel to the nearest office.

"I am very disappointed that Jobcentre Plus have decided to press ahead with the decision to close Bermondsey job centre from Thursday," said Cllr Nick Stanton. "It is yet another example of a Government cut to a local service that will hit some of the most needy in society."

"Jobcentre Plus claim that the Bermondsey job centre cannot provide a full range of services because of its proximity to the Rotherhithe tunnel. I find this an incredible statement."

"This area is one with a higher than average unemployment rate and every help needs to be provided to ensure that people are able to find job-related training and new employment. From Thursday, users will have to travel up to three miles to London Bridge and I fear that many will simply not do so. As a result they will certainly put their employment opportunities at risk and will also run the risk of being penalised by the system which requires their attendance at interviews on a regular basis."

"The financial hardship that this decision will cause for come local residents is also significant. For many users of the current Bermondsey Jobcentre, walking three miles is simply not an option and so they will be forced to spend at least £2 on bus travel. Jobcentre Plus have been unable to explain how they will be compensated for this extra expenditure."

"Most recently, the Bermondsey office has been used to help lone parent job seekers. These people have some of the lowest disposable incomes and will be the most hard hit. If Jobcentre Plus argue that their Bermondsey office cannot provide a full range of facilities, I do not see a good reason why it should not continue to provide help to the poorest of local people."

ENDS