A DECISION to close more than a dozen Jobcentres across Devon and Cornwall, including the Okehampton branch, has been condemned as 'shameful' by the Tory spokesman for the new Central Devon seat. Okehampton Jobcentre is one of 14 set to be axed in March, as part of a 'transformation programme' taking place nationally. The closures will mean jobseekers will be forced to travel to either Plymouth or Exeter to look for employment, in some case more than 40 miles away. The moved has been condemned by West Devon Borough Council and Okehampton Town Council. Mel Stride, the prospective Conservative parliamentary candidate for Central Devon, said: 'This move simply ignores the needs of local people who rely on the service for a number of facilities, including signing on for income support and incapacity benefit. 'Helping jobseekers back into the workplace is, without doubt, one of the most important duties placed of Government. 'I would suggest that by placing an expensive bus, train or car journey between these people and the Jobcentre is a bizarre way to offer help.' The part-time Jobcentre Plus offices earmarked for closure in Devon are: Axminster, Exmouth, Ilfracombe, Kingsbridge, Okehampton, Sidmouth and Tavistock. Some services could be made available through council offices, libraries or Citizens' Advice bureaux, while a greater emphasis will be placed on obtaining advice and searching for jobs online or by telephone.
