DUNSTABLE Job Centre will close next month, but all staff will be relocated to roles elsewhere to avoid redundancies.
A spokesman for the Department of Work and Pensions said the closure is partly due to the increasingly helpful Direct.gov.uk, but mainly due to efforts to work in partnership with local organisations in order to better deliver their services.
For instance, JobCentre Plus is working with Dunstable Town Council to enable customers to claim disability and income support at council offices after the High Street South centre closes.
The spokesman told the Gazette: “The distance between Dunstable and Luton is comparable to journeys that other people across the country have to make to visit their Job Centre.” Those claiming Job Seekers Allowance will have to claim from the Luton Job Centre in Guildford Street from June 8.
The spokesman added: “We will continue to provide JobCentre Plus services to the people of Dunstable, including specialist advisers and a Jobpoint for disabled people and lone parents at the town’s council offices.
“JobCentre Plus is committed to providing local services effectively and we are working with all Dunstable jobseekers to ensure they continue to get the support they need to get into work.”
Many Job Centre services are also available at www.direct.gov.uk and over the telephone on 08000 556688.
