Minister for Employability and Training
Jamie Hepburn MSP
T: 0300 244 4000
E: xxxxxxxx.xxxxxxxxx@xxx.xxxx
Damian Hinds MP
Minister for Employment
xxxxxxxx.xxxxxxxxxx@xxx.xxx.xxx.xx
___
27th January 2017
I am writing in response to yesterday’s letters addressed to Keith Brown MSP, Cabinet
Secretary for the Economy, Angela Constance MSP, Cabinet Secretary for Communities
and Jeane Freeman, Minister for Social Security and me notifying the Scottish Government
of the Department of Work and Pension’s (DWP) plans for their estate in Scotland, and
attaching a list of Jobcentre Plus facilities in Scotland to be retained.
I must say that I am, once again, deeply disappointed in the way this vital news has been
communicated with the Scottish Government. Particularly in view of our recent dialogue and
correspondence on the question of proposed closures in Glasgow, I had expected a more
collaborative approach. And even now the information being provided by DWP officials does
not provide sufficient clarity about your plans for individual offices and customers.
I refer you once more to the terms of Smith Agreement, and in particular paragraph 58,
which while recognising Jobcentre Plus would remain reserved, calls for our Governments
to work together to “identify ways to further link services through methods such as co-
location wherever possible and establish more formal mechanisms to govern the Jobcentre
Plus network in Scotland.”
With the devolution of employment support programmes, we have a clear and strong
opportunity to deliver a new level of joint working between Scottish Government and UK
Government in the interaction of devolved and reserved areas. I know you will share my aim
of working collectively for the benefit of those who use employability support services,
including Jobcentre Plus. I now urge DWP to work more openly and collaboratively with
Scottish Government on these proposals for the Jobcentre Plus estate in Scotland.
St Andrew’s House, Regent Road, Edinburgh EH1 3DG
www.gov.scot
We now understand that a total of up to 23 Jobcentre and back office sites are set to close
across Scotland, and others to be relocated. I remain deeply concerned about the impact of
these disproportionate cuts to Scottish services especially those in rural areas, with those
who rely on Jobcentre Plus services facing increased transport costs and additional
travelling time. The closures will affect vulnerable people who already face challenges to
accessing services, including those with health and mobility problems. I am particularly
concerned at the increased risk of benefit sanctions, pushing people into crises and
desperation, and making it more difficult for them to find employment.
As we move towards the launch of the Scottish Government's transitional employment
services this year, we need to be in a position where we can offer people support and work
that aligns with Jobcentre Plus; not see the UK Government take services away and make
them harder to access.
I request that you provide the following information needed to enable us to better understand
the potential impact on people across Scotland, specifically:
1. What is your timetable for implementing these planned changes and potential
closures?
2. I note you intend to run local public consultations in some areas, commencing
Monday 30th January. Can you please clarify: in which areas will these be run; for
how long; how will the consultations be publicised; and that you will ensure that DWP
officials continue to engage with each of the Jobcentres during the consultation
process?
3. Can you provide a robust rationale for not consulting on some areas?
4. When will the planned Equalities Impact Assessment begin, and what plans are there
for sharing this with the Scottish Government?
5. Your written statement to the House of Commons indicated that redundancies may be
required. Can you please provide detail of how many staff in Scotland will be affected
and what assurances can you provide for those staff?
6. Can you please provide the analysis that shows those offices remaining open can
absorb and accommodate the significantly increased service demand/ footfall these
changes will require and clarify whether these offices will provide continuity in support,
and will they provide an improved service or enhanced performance? Can you also
clarify what will the impact on staff be?
This week I spoke with Damien Yeates, Chief Executive of Skills Development Scotland,
who informs me that SDS officials will meet DWP officials next week and will discuss the
potential co-location of services. Can you also outline the efforts DWP have made to
establish alternative arrangements to provide continuity of service in local areas through
closer working with partners? And can you give me your assurance that this will be given
high priority?
St Andrew’s House, Regent Road, Edinburgh EH1 3DG
www.gov.scot
I would welcome a response by 2nd February, and would be obliged if you would direct
future correspondence to me as the Scottish Government Minister with responsibility for
these matters. I would reiterate that I intend that there is a discussion of these issues with
DWP Ministers when we next meet at the Joint Ministerial Working Group on Welfare,
presently scheduled for next month. It is my sincere hope that by that stage there will be a
genuine willingness on the part of the UK Government to engage in constructive dialogue on
these matters, with particular reference for the meaningful implementation of the terms of
paragraph 58 of the Smith Agreement.
I will be writing to all Members of the Scottish Parliament and Scottish Members of the UK
Parliament to update them on the action the Scottish Government will take to protect the
interests of those people in Scotland who will be impacted by these proposals.
I look forward to receipt of your timeous response.
JAMIE HEPBURN
St Andrew’s House, Regent Road, Edinburgh EH1 3DG
www.gov.scot