Mark Lazarowicz MP for Edinburgh North and Leith has written to the head of Jobcentre Plus for Edinburgh to raise concerns over the proposal just announced to close the Jobcentre Plus office in South Andrew Street.
Mark said:-“I am concerned whether the two offices to which services will be transferred – High Riggs and Leith – would be able to cope adequately with increased numbers without an increase in staffing there.
“At the same time, staff at the South Andrew St office may be concerned about their jobs and I have asked for assurances that staff will be redeployed and not made redundant.
“The South Andrew St office was within easy walking distance for many local residents, and visitors to the City Centre could find information and leaflets there.
“I am keen for local residents and community groups to let me know their views. Jobcentre Plus has given an assurance that there will be no cuts in services and I will be doing all I can to hold it to that promise.”
The initial proposal is for Compliance and National Insurance applications to be handled by Leith Jobcentre in Commercial Street and all other functions to go to High Riggs Jobcentre.
A public consultation is being held on the proposal which ends on 29 August 2011.
