Local Politicians meet DWP over Job Centre Services in Upper Nithsdale
Upper Nithsdale MP David Mundell and local councillor John Syme met with the regional manager for the DWP in the West of Scotland John Reid regarding the future of Job Centre services in Upper Nithsdale.
After a productive discussion an on-site meeting is to be held, involving all stakeholders, including all local councillors, the local MSP and MP, as well as Dumfries and Galloway Council officials and service users themselves
The meeting, which is to be set up by the DWP, will explore existing issues and discuss future provision of Job Centre services for communities in Upper Nithsdale including Kelloholm, Kirkconnel and Sanquhar, with a view to ensuring that arrangements are in place for effective job centre provision in Upper Nithsdale.
There is also an expectation that special arrangements will be explored which will mean that where there is any requirement for attendance, local residents have the opportunity to go to either Dumfries or Cumnock, based on their personal commitments and preferences.
During the discussion that took place earlier this week there was a strong recognition that large amounts of time and personal expense in travelling to Dumfries is not productive, and people do not find it the best use of their time and efforts when looking to find employment.
Commenting Mr Mundell said: “These initial discussions with the DWP have been very positive and recognise the need to balance DWP targets and priorities with the practicalities service users face in this rural region.
“I am pleased that they have agreed to hold a full meeting with all the relevant stakeholders locally and I now hope that we can find a resolution that will retain a community presence in Upper Nithsdale whilst at the same time increasing the quality of service on offer. It is really important to help people find employment and to make sure that people’s time spent looking for work is as productive as possible.
“The last thing you want to be doing when you are looking for a job is wasting large amounts of your time and money travelling to Dumfries just to access Job Centre Services and I think everyone recognises that, “he added.