Question to the Scotland Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland, what discussions have taken place between his Department and the Department for Work and Pensions on the proposed Jobcentre closures in Glasgow and South Lanarkshire; and if he will make a statement.

I refer the hon Gentleman to the answer I gave the hon Member for Rutherglen and Hamilton West on 14 December 2016, UINs 56910 and 56916.

In addition, for JobCentre Plus offices over three miles or 20 minutes away by public transport, DWP are carrying out local consultation prior to implementing any changes to help inform decisions about additional provision, such as outreach services. The consultation is available online and through the affected Jobcentres. This consultation was launched immediately after the announcements were made, and is open until 31 January. Staff will also advise customers on alternative Jobcentre locations, taking into account travel and access to the local labour market.