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Thursday, November 20, 2008, 19:06
Figures show a sharp rise in the number of outstanding dole claims waiting to be dealt with by the benefit processing office in Plymouth.
Critics warn that this growing backlog must not hold-up 'vital' payments to people who suddenly find themselves out of work. They have called for a halt to further closures and cuts to Jobcentre staff.
But the Department for Work and Pensions points out three-quarters of claimants get advice and support on finding work within three days, and people were receiving their cash in an average of 10 days – under its 11.5 day target.
Official figures obtained by the Liberal Democrats show that the number of Jobseekers' Allowance claims outstanding at the processing centre in Plymouth rose by a quarter in September, compared to December last year. The numbers rose from 623 to 786 – 26 per cent.
At the start of this year it was announced that four Jobcentres in the area were to close – Plympton, Saltash, Looe, and Tavistock. In 2006, two Jobcentres were shut in Plymouth itself.
Nationally, the number of unprocessed Jobseeker's Allowance claims has more than doubled since the start of the year to a total of 66,545. In the same period, 41 jobcentres closed. More than 500 Jobcentre Plus offices have shut since 2002, while more than 17,000 full time jobs have been cut over the last four years.
Lib Dem work and pensions spokesman Jenny Willott said: "These are the first warning signs that the JobCentre Plus network is buckling under the weight of increasing unemployment.
"Ministers have left Jobcentres short-staffed and ill-prepared for a recession. As thousands more people are laid off, Jobseeker's allowance could be all they have to live on. Jobcentre delays must not hold up this vital lifeline."
A DWP spokesman said: "75 per cent of customers making a claim for unemployment benefit are seen within three days... and we're getting people their cash in an average of 10 days – ahead of our 11.5 day target."
Latest official figures show the city's jobless total has increased by around a fifth over the last year.
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