Decision to close Cosham Jobcentre criticised

The announcement to shut 153 Jobcentre branches came from the Department for Work and Pensions.

Cosham is among those listed in the closure plans, although it is not clear if it will be shut altogether or be moved into another building.

The move has been criticised by the PCS union.

Regional secretary, Sharon Leslie said: ‘We will continue to fight these closures and defend jobs and services.

‘This decision is an attack on the most disadvantaged.

‘Our members have vast experience in supporting claimants that typically need additional support to access employment, such as the young, and those from lower income families.

‘This local support will now be lost and people from these groups including our members will be disproportionately affected.

‘The government needs to listen to the electorate. Voters rejected austerity in the general election and they should reverse this decision.’