Jobcentres: East Ham

(asked on 14th March 2017) - View Source

Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what assessment his Department has made of the effect of the closure of East Ham Jobcentre Plus on people in the local area trying to find work.


Answered by
Damian Hinds Portrait
Damian Hinds
Minister of State (Education)
This question was answered on 20th March 2017

Throughout the development of these proposals, the department has been mindful of the impact on staff and customers as part of its duties under section 149 of the Equality Act 2010. Statistical analysis of the potential impact of the proposals on people with the protected characteristics has informed high-level decision-making so far. As we obtain further local, site-specific information we will ensure any issues identified are also taken fully into consideration when the final decisions are made.

Subject to further consideration of the proposal we hope to relocate all 31 staff and services from the current East Ham Jobcentre to Barking where we will continue to offer the same level of service to customers and claimants.

The new site at Barking is 1.6 miles from the existing site and Jobcentre Plus is able to reimburse travel costs for those claiming Jobseekers’ Allowance or the equivalent claimants in Universal Credit for any attendance above their fortnightly signing appointment. In addition, those claiming Employment and Support Allowance and Income Support are not generally required to attend their local Jobcentre regularly

In addition, our merged Jobcentres will continue to offer internet access to support claimants and we are working with local authorities as part of our ongoing partnership to improve digital access and capability.

Where we are proposing to close a jobcentre we are taking all possible precautions to minimise disruption for customers, and vulnerable people will receive home visits and have the opportunity to make postal claims.

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