Jobcentres axe hits rural areas

Travelling to Jobcentres is an extra cost for rural claimants

More than 40% of Devon's Jobcentres have shut since the start of the recession in 2008.

Eight Jobcentres have closed, forcing many unemployed people in Kingsbridge, Ilfracombe and Tavistock to travel to Exeter, Barnstaple and Plymouth.

Some claim that travel costs mean they are out of pocket as a result.

The Department for Work and Pensions said it was reviewing the situation, but had set up a number of outreach services in rural areas.

Richard Penny, from Belstone near Okehampton, lost his job in April and was told that he would have to travel to his nearest Jobcentre in Exeter every fortnight to claim Jobseeker's Allowance.

People in rural areas are being penalised Jobseeker Richard Penny

Mr Penny, who has since found another job, was informed that he could sign on by post because he lives more than a mile from the nearest bus stop.

But he feels sorry for other claimants.

"The result is that if you live in Exeter you effectively get more benefit than if you live in Okehampton because you don't have to pay the travel costs.

"People in rural areas are being penalised."

Devon MP Geoffrey Cox has raised the issue in Parliament.

He said: "It's an astonishing bit of bad planning in a recession to start closing rural job centres.

"It makes no sense at all."

The Department for Work and Pensions said in a statement: "Jobcentre Plus staff are working hard to help people in Devon and Cornwall through the economic downturn, and get them back into work as quickly as possible.

"To avoid the need for customers to travel a distance we often provide services from organisations such as children's centres and libraries.

"We are currently reviewing the service we provide and, as part of this, we will be seeking the views of local stakeholders."