Job Centre Closure "Defies Common Sense" - Teather

3.07.50pm BST (GMT +0100) Mon 21st Apr 2008

Sarah Teather MP wants the Government to help people in Kilburn find work

Sarah Teather MP has called on the Labour Government to halt plans to close Kilburn Job Centre at a meeting organised by local residents and trade unions last Wednesday.

Sarah was joined on the platform by Lib Dem councillor for Kilburn Anthony Dunn and local union leader Theresa Raftery. The meeting brought together local residents and union representatives from across London.

Speaking after the meeting local Lib Dem MP Sarah said

"To close Kilburn Job Centre simply defies common sense. Kilburn is one of the areas in Brent which has the greatest need facilities such as this.

"What is worse, the government are trying to impose this closure on our local community by stealth. The consultation must be extended to allow local people to have their say.

"I would encourage as many people as possible to sign the online petition and write to Stephen Timms to oppose this closure, which will have a devastating effect on those attempting to find work in Kilburn."

In a letter to Stephen Timms MP, Minister for Employment and Welfare Reform, local Lib Dem MP Sarah Teather has called for an extension to the consultation period. The current scheme lasts just six weeks and runs over the Easter holidays. Sarah wrote "It is almost as if the Government didn't want a consultation at all."