House of Commons debate held on 30 January 2017 - Jobcentre Plus Offices: Closure.
Dr Lisa Cameron, Chair APPG on disability, raised concerns about disability access as a result of the DWP’s decision to close local jobcentres.
Dr Lisa Cameron (East Kilbride, Strathaven and Lesmahagow) (SNP)
As chair of the all-party parliamentary group for disability, I am extremely worried that closing jobcentres will make employment even less accessible to disabled claimants. Will the intensive support that needs to be given in person—not online or by post—be afforded to that group, and will home visits be afforded to all disabled constituents?
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Welfare Delivery (Caroline Nokes)
Of course, many disabled claimants access our services very successfully online, but, as I have said, the DWP has a home visiting service which we can extend to all disabled claimants who ask for it when their circumstances make it difficult for them to go to a jobcentre. We want our work coaches to provide tailored support for each of their claimants, to have a relationship with them, and to understand their specific needs.