Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what health and safety risk assessments have been conducted for (a) staff and (b) claimants relating to the proposed closures of the jobcentres in (i) Liverpool, (ii) Newcastle and (iii) Glasgow; and what such assessments have been conducted for such people and the jobcentres that will remain open in such areas of the risk of gang violence.

The safety of claimants is vitally important and is an issue we have taken very seriously as part of these proposals. Where we are proposing to close a Jobcentre we are taking all possible precautions, not only to minimise disruption for claimants, but also to protect vulnerable people by providing home visits and postal claims where it is appropriate to do so.

Throughout the development of these proposals, the Department has been mindful of its duties under section 149 of the Equality Act 2010. Our continued focus on equality analysis will be important in helping to assess any risks for individual claimants brought about by these proposals. As we obtain further local, site-specific information we will ensure any issues identified are taken fully into consideration when the final decisions are made.