Current issue

April 2024

  • Leading Worship Without a Minister
  • New Life for Church Buildings
  • Scottish Love in Action

 

Home  >  News  >  Glasgow Job Centres Closure Criticised by Church

News

Glasgow Job Centres Closure Criticised by Church

 

The UK Government’s decision to close job centres in Scotland, including six in Glasgow, has come under fire from the Church of Scotland

 

Pauline Edmiston, vice-convener of the Church's Church and Society Council, said the decision ignored the needs of jobseekers, especially those who lack computer skills or do not have access to getting online.

 

Ms Edmiston described the decision as 'deeply regrettable' and said there had been consensus across political parties that the closures were 'ill conceived'.

She said: “While we welcome the decision by the Department for Work and Pensions to retain a presence in Castlemilk and Cambuslang, this does not go far enough.

 

“As a city Glasgow experiences some of the highest levels of digital exclusion in the UK. This means that those who are entitled to –and most need—help and support will be the ones least able to access it as services move online. It also fails to consider concerns that many individuals in these communities have about accessing material online.

 

“At a time when foodbank use is on the rise, when there is great need within our communities, this decision will undoubtedly make it harder for people to access the help they need.

 

“Decisions such as this highlight the lack of care, concern and understanding that our society has for some of those in greatest need, it is a disgrace and is something that we should all be ashamed of.”


Comments

There are currently no comments on this post


Add a reply

All fields are required. Email address will not be published.