Martin Docherty-Hughes, MP for West Dunbartonshire, has slammed the Tory UK government for pressing ahead with the closure of Alexandria Job Centre.
The SNP MP, who has been campaigning to keep the local job centre open, has hit out at Tory Ministers for the UK Government’s “irresponsible” programme of job centre closures.
The Department for Work & Pensions (DWP) has confirmed that Alexandria Job Centre will close its doors on Thursday 9th August 2018, with all services transferred to Dumbarton.
Local MP Martin Docherty-Hughes has expressed concerns at the impact of the closure on vulnerable residents ahead of the roll-out of the UK government’s much-criticised Universal Credit policy later this year.
Martin Docherty-Hughes MP said:
“Job centres play a key role in communities – helping to support some of society’s most vulnerable people through difficult times.
“Yet the Tory UK government has decided to press ahead with its irresponsible programme of job centre closures with scant regard for the consequences.
“This will have a hugely detrimental impact on Alexandria and beyond – making it more difficult for vulnerable job-seekers and benefit claimants to access the support they need.
“It’s a short-sighted and reckless move by the Tories, especially considering the full roll-out of the UK’s disastrous Universal Credit policy is just around the corner.
“As ever it’s the poorest in our communities that suffer the most as a result of Westminster austerity.”
