'This is not good enough' Anger as closed Derbyshire Jobcentre replaced with a van

The Jobcentre van is parked in Shirebrook Leisure Centre car park.

Colin Hampton, Co-ordinator of the Derbyshire Unemployed Workers Centres, said: “The idea of using a van is all very well in rural areas where there is no alternative, but not in a conurbation like Shirebrook. It is a waste of money and, when no one uses it, will be withdrawn. We've seen it all before.

"If Sports Direct moves to Warwickshire, as seems likely, a job centre will be a much-needed service to support the community facing mass unemployment.”

The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has previously said that they are either looking to make good the existing building on the Market Place, or move to alternative premises in Shirebrook.

In the meantime, the DWP has redirected people to Mansfield Job Centre.

Colin said over 20 months later, Jobcentre users are picking up the travel costs often when required to attend.

He added: “This is not good enough. 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.

“It is one thing to feel like you are a left behind community but another to strip away the services that might help people to catch up! We need full jobcentre services in Shirebrook. No other option will be good enough for the people of Shirebrook and surrounding area.”

Colin said a mystery shopper from Derbyshire Unemployed Workers’ Centres had visited the van and claimed there was ‘not enough space to swing a sardine.’

When asked about a neighbour who was wheelchair-bound and needed a benefits check they were told that they would conduct the business in the car park.

Colin added: “Our mystery shopper said that this was not going to work as it was not a confidential place to discuss financial and health matters. An embarrassed shrug of the shoulders was their response.”

A DWP spokesperson said Shirebrook Jobcentre remained closed while they continued to assess the overall condition of the building.

They added: “Whilst face to face customer enquiries are being seen at Mansfield Jobcentre, our Jobcentre van in Shirebrook is being tested temporarily as a way of reaching those customers who are further away from Mansfield. It is not a permanent replacement for Shirebrook Jobcentre.

“The vehicle is equipped with a temporary access ramp, and support is delivered flexibly depending on what is most appropriate and safe at the time.

“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. We are also alternating between in-person and remote appointments to reduce travel costs, unless additional in-person support is needed.”