Dumfriesshire MP David Mundell has welcomed progress on resolving issues relating to access to Job Centre Services in upper Nithsdale.
The local MP’s renewed optimism follows a successful meeting with DWP officials in Kelloholm, which was arranged following strong representations from Mr Mundell and local councillor John Syme.
Mr Mundell has particularly welcomed the acceptance of a need for a community based Upper Nithsdale service and increased flexibility and discretion to allow service users to decide whether it is easier for them to travel to Cumnock or Dumfries when they need to go to the main Job Centre Plus.
At the meeting it was agreed that Job Centre Plus will keep the outreach service in Kirkconnel and improve the services available.
In addition the following outcomes were agreed at the meeting:
• There will now be a choice of signing-on in Dumfries or Cumnock Job Centres (which ever suits to client best).
• In the first 13 weeks of a new claim the claimant will only be expected to travel to Dumfries or Cumnock three times (aligning with bus times etc where possible) and the rest of the time they will be dealt with weekly locally at the Outreach Service.
• The Outreach Service will be improved to allow more time per client.
• Job Centre Plus will look to work with the Work Programme also to make sure the services are most conveniently provided for Upper Nithsdale clients.
• Job Centre Plus will work with PACE Services to ensure advisors are aware of services in both East Ayrshire and Dumfries & Galloway
• Job Centre Plus and the Department for Work and Pensions will produce a detailed proposal for submission to stakeholders in August and will review the changes in December
Commenting Mr Mundell said: “The meeting was very positive and everyone involved seemed to recognise the need to balance DWP targets and priorities with the practicalities service users face in this rural region.”
“I am particularly pleased we were able to agree on a number of outcomes that will see a continuation of a community based Job Centre Plus service and increased flexibility for service users that means people will have more choice over which Job Centre they attend and In the first 13 weeks of a new claim the claimant will only be expected to travel to Dumfries or Cumnock three times. This is really important because when people are looking for work and operating on a tight budget the last thing they need is to have to travel to Dumfries at considerable personal expenses and use of their time just to access Job Centre Services. Obviously we will need to continue to monitor the situation closely and continue looking for opportunities to enhance the service further but these concessions and commitments from Job centre plus are a step in the right direction.”
Pictured at the meeting are – left to right, Back: John Reid (DWP West Of Scotland), Maureen Toal (JCP Customer Service Operations Manager ) and David Welsh (JCP). Front: Councillor John Syme and David Mundell MP