Ramsgate Jobcentre is one of 26 listed for closure by the Department of Work and Pensions (DWP).
The site at the Argyle Centre in York Street was opened in Ramsgate in July 2021 by Department for Work and Pensions Lords Minister Baroness Stedman-Scott as part of the government’s Plan for Jobs scheme.
She spoke to some of the 34 new local work coaches who were based at the centre about their role helping people land their next job.
At the time the Baroness said: “It’s one of many new sites we are opening across the UK to boost Jobcentre support and help people get back into work and on their feet..”
Ramsgate Argyle Jobcentre Plus was one of 194 temporary sites announced by the Department for Work and Pensions to operate in addition to the existing 639 Jobcentres across the UK.
But now many of the sites are being closed, with Ramsgate included in the latest swathe.
The DWP says: “During the pandemic, and in direct response to the anticipated pressures on the labour market, the Department for Work and Pensions secured time limited funding to:
- rapidly introduce additional jobcentre capacity
- provide more Work Coaches to support claimants
“In total 194 temporary jobcentres or additional space in existing jobcentres were added to the existing network of 639 established jobcentre sites. These temporary jobcentres increased capacity to provide tailored face-to-face support and also supported the government’s Plan for Jobs, helping people back into the labour market right across the UK.
“In July 2022, the department outlined its plans to take advantage of lease breaks and vacate older, poorer-quality jobcentre buildings.
“Several of the temporary sites, where they offer better, more suitable accommodation than our existing offices – and provide better value for money for the taxpayer – will be retained.
“Established jobcentres will move into these buildings. Others will be decommissioned where the increased capacity is no longer needed.”
County Councillor Barry Lewis has questioned the decision. He said: “As unemployment figures start to rise, how are people in Ramsgate without internet availability supposed to claim benefits?
“On its own website page it says the job centre is conveniently sited and gives an essential service so why are they closing what they themselves call an essential service for the people in Ramsgate?”
The closure is expected in the coming months.
The isle’s Margate Jobcentre and Ramsgate centre in Queen Street are unaffected.
Find Jobcentre Plus information here
