As many will be aware, the DWP recently announced the closure of a number of back and front-facing offices throughout Scotland.
This includes the DWP back office in Coatbridge, which employs 250 people.
The closure itself does not involve any job losses; the DWP are moving these jobs to alternative locations in the city centre of Glasgow and Motherwell.
A number of constituents have been in touch raising their concerns about the closure, and in particular, the impact it will have on those who will be required to travel further for work. In addition, concerns have been raised about the impact of this closure on local businesses on the high street, several of whom cater to employees on their lunch breaks.
I have already been in contact with union representatives at the Public and Commercial Services Union to offer my full support to the union and the workers in Coatbridge who will be affected. I was particularly concerned when union representatives informed me that there was absolutely no consultation on the part of the DWP with either employees or union representatives prior to the announcement.
On a broader scale, SNP MPs from around Scotland who have DWP offices in their constituencies facing closure have launched a joint campaign opposing the closures.
I have also arranged further meetings with the PCS to ensure I do all I can to support the affected workers.
