Derbyshire Unemployed Workers' Centres

Derbyshire Unemployed Workers' Centres (DUWC)️ 3 days ago

Shirebrook jobcentre has been closed temporarily, since the middle of last year due to asbestos issues and structural problems. In that time we have been told by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) 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 (with some mistakenly directed to the old building in Shirebrook). This has caused problems for those called in for interviews in terms of both cost and difficulty for sick and disabled people. The DWP made contact with us in April 2025 informing us that they were no nearer finding a resolution to the premises problem and……. ‘As you know, the Jobcentre is currently closed due to safety issues with the building, and we are waiting for our Estates to provide details of either the necessary safety maintenance work or whether we develop an alternative premises. I am conscious that this has been the situation for sometime now, and was wondering if you have received any feedback regarding customers who would usually use this Jobcentre ? Has your organisation seen an increase in footfall in Shirebrook or any intelligence on where customers with enquiries are seeking support ? We are conducting face to face interviews at Mansfield Jobcentre (a more natural journey for Shirebrook residents), or remotely by phone or video appointment where this is possible and appropriate. We have also made great efforts to maintain our Providers presence in the Town (most being delivered from Carter Lane Adult Ed Centre). We have also used Carter Lane for some over 50’s workshops and a Recruitment Event with Employers (Jobs Fair).’ 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people for the closure of this local service and alternative downgraded facilities imposed that will no doubt be withdrawn further down the line.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. It is very important that a full range of JobCentre services is maintained in Shirebrook. The Government in its Green Paper ‘Pathways to work’ makes it clear that engagement with sick and disabled people is important in bringing people closer to the Labour Market. The possibility of Fraser Group moving out of Shirebrook to a new site in Warwickshire has been touted in the press Ansty plans for new Frasers Group HQ on green belt approved - BBC News . This would mean that Shirebrook would face severe difficulties in finding employment for the people left behind. 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!