Jobcentre Plus Offices: Closure

Margaret Ferrier Excerpts
Monday 30th January 2017

(7 years, 3 months ago)

Commons Chamber
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Caroline Nokes Portrait Caroline Nokes
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The hon. Gentleman makes a really important point. It is crucial that we do not lose expertise, which is why we will be listening to all DWP staff to see how we can best use that resource in future.

John Bercow Portrait Mr Speaker
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What an unenviable dilemma! I call Margaret Ferrier.

Margaret Ferrier Portrait Margaret Ferrier
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Thank you, Mr Speaker. I have been out on the streets of Halfway and Rutherglen in my constituency over the past two wet weekends, collecting signatures for the petition to keep the Cambuslang jobcentre open. Collecting the signatures has not been a difficult task; people are outraged by the DWP’s decision and they want to make their views known. Will the Minister please allow them to do that by doing the right thing and opening up the consultation process to all DWP sites marked for closure?

Caroline Nokes Portrait Caroline Nokes
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I am sure that my hon. Friend the Minister for Employment will be delighted to receive the petition from the hon. Lady’s constituency and that he will reflect on the views expressed.