Derbyshire man wins tribunal after losing benefits following ongoing problems with Jobcentre closure
A Derbyshire man has won his Social Security tribunal after losing his benefits following the ongoing problems of the temporary closure of the Jobcentre in the Town.
Mr Cooper, of Shirebrook, who suffers with health problems, received a message on January 9 2025 stating Shirebrook Jobcentre was closed.
However, on the same day he got a text message advising his appointment was at Shirebrook Jobcentre.
On January 14 he received a text message reminding him he needed to attend his appointment on the January 15.
He attended Shirebrook Jobcentre at the time and date but his appointment was at Mansfield and because he did not attend this appointment his benefit claim was closed down.
As a result he would have to open a new claim that would mean he would lose money as his previous benefit was higher.
Andy Parkes, Welfare Rights worker at Derbyshire Unemployed Workers’ Centres, who represented Mr Cooper in court, said: “It is perfectly possible for a building that was closed one day could be reopened on the following day.
“In fact the Department for Work and Pensions state that they are looking into possibility to reopen it. The DWP sent conflicting information to a claimant who followed the most recent advice he received from the DWP which was to attend Shirebrook Jobcentre.”
The misdirection took place in January 2025 but Mr Cooper’s case has only just come to court leaving him out of pocket for a year.
Derbyshire Unemployed Workers’ Centres have been campaigning for Shirebrook Jobcentre to be reinstated and have been supported by Bolsover MP Natalie Fleet.
Mrs Fleet backed campaigners from the DUWC to demand the return of full Jobcentre services to Shirebrook. The Jobcentre has been closed, since August 2024 due to asbestos issues and structural problems.
The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) said that they are either looking to make good the building, or move to alternative premises in Shirebrook. In the meantime, the DWP have redirected people to Mansfield Job Centre. Over 16 months on there has been no progress with Jobcentre users picking up the travel costs.
“This is not good enough” said Colin Hampton, Coordinator Derbyshire Unemployed Workers Centres.”
“The fact that, many months following the temporary closure of the Jobcentre, no movement has taken place, leads me to believe that time is being used to prepare people for the closure of this local service and alternative downgraded facilities imposed that will no doubt be withdrawn further down the line. This has happened at other such service closures across Derbyshire and beyond.
“At some point everyone in Shirebrook will know someone, friend, neighbour or family member who might need these services should they fall sick, become disabled or lose their job. We must put pressure on to the DWP and decision makers to retain a full service at a Jobcentre in Shirebrook.”
A DWP spokesperson said: "Face to face customer enquiries are being seen at Mansfield Jobcentre.
"We can support with travel expenses on a case-by-case basis through the Flexible Support Fund for any additional costs from travelling to Mansfield while Shirebrook is closed."