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Call to safeguard Deptford jobcentre

15 July 2009

Campaigners and PCS are urging the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) to safeguard the Jobcentre Plus in Deptford, whose future is in doubt following plans by the landlord to redevelop the site into a restaurant and flats when the current lease expires.

The DWP is looking for a replacement building in Deptford for the Jobcentre as figures out today show unemployment at 8.1% in the London borough of Lewisham and 7.6% nationally.

From April 2008 to April 2009 there was a 30% increase in the number of people registered as unemployed at the Deptford Jobcentre Plus.

The campaign to keep a Jobcentre Plus in Deptford has the backing of the local community, job seekers and the local MP, Joan Ruddock.

Last Thursday saw a packed public meeting where people came together to discuss the way forward in the campaign to keep a Jobcentre Plus in Deptford.

The union and campaigners will be looking to step up the pressure on the department as Jobcentre managers look at alternative buildings towards the end of the month.

Tony Reay, PCS representative for Deptford Jobcentre Plus, said: "The whole community and our local MP recognise the importance of keeping a Jobcentre in Deptford.

"There is a clear need to retain the Jobcentre which provides a vital service to the public. Jobcentre management and the DWP need to find an alternative building quickly to house Deptford’s Jobcentre as it is clear that the whole community need it."

Commenting, Mark Serwotka, PCS general secretary, added: "On the day national unemployment rose again it is clear that the Deptford community needs a Jobcentre.

"Jobcentres are working flat out to help the rising numbers of unemployed and no more so than in Deptford where the jobcentre has seen a 30% increase in people signing on.

"Jobcentre Plus management cannot allow Deptford to lose its Jobcentre especially during a recession and need to act swiftly to find an alternative building to house such a vital service."

 

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