THE introduction of Jobcentre outreach services in Knutsford will be looked at following the Government's decision to close the Wilmslow centre. 

Full time services will be moved to Macclesfield, following a consultation which began in January proposing the Wilmslow centre’s closure, which was confirmed today, July 5.

The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) said in its decision notice that outreach service options in Knutsford, thought to include the library or Welcome Café, would be explored ahead of the March 2018 changes.

A spokesman said: “The points raised by respondents do highlight difficulties raised in making these changes, but DWP has to balance the need to provide services along with the budget it has to deliver those services.

“After careful consideration of the responses, it is DWP’s view that these do not provide a basis to amend or change the proposal to close Wilmslow Jobcentre and move the services to Macclesfield Jobcentre.

“Consequently, the recommendation of this report is to proceed with the proposal to close Wilmslow. DWP will also explore ‘outreach’ opportunities to situate a part-time work coach service providing advice and support within a community location.”

A consultation received just 13 responses. Of these, three came from organisations – including Knutsford Town Council and the Welcome Café – and four from claimants. Six responses were from individuals or members of the public.

Respondents referred to travel time and cost, access to services, and outreach in their comments.

Fears sanctions could increase as more claimants are unable to attend appointments on time were also raised.

A Jobcentre spokesman said: “DWP are committed to retaining a Jobcentre network and continuing to serve people in all areas of the UK to make sure they can continue to access the tailored services they need.

“DWP are currently working with partner organisations within the local area to develop an outreach service following the closure of Wilmslow Jobcentre.

“What this service will offer will be publicised ahead of the closures.”

The DWP claims 20 per cent of office space is being underused in the UK, while unemployment figures have improved since 2010.

It wants to offer a more efficient service, while saving more than £140 million a year over the next 10 years.

The DWP has today said that 68 smaller Jobcentres will be merged into larger or under-used ones nearby, four will move to new sites and 40 will co-locate with local authorities or other community services.

Four offices will close, leaving almost 800 across the country, and as many as 750 staff across the UK will be affected. 

Mark Serwotka, general secretary of the Public and Commercial Services (PCS) union, has attacked today's announcement, claiming the Government is 'abandoning unemployed, sick and disabled people, making it harder for them to access the services they need, and putting jobcentre jobs at risk'.