18/06/2026
What an embarrassment!!!
After closing the Shirebrook Jobcentre, nearly two years ago, following structural problem, the Department for Work and Pensions have replaced it – with a van!
Resembling a fast food outlet the Jobcentre van made its first appearance at the Shirebrook Leisure Centre car park today.
Our mystery shopper paid them a visit. Three staff members are packed into a van with not enough space to swing a sardine. She asked them about a neighbour who was now wheelchair-bound and needed a benefits check. They told her to bring her down when they had someone there who could help. Our shopper asked where would they be seen? She was told, with a great deal of embarrassment, that they would conduct the business in the car park. Our mystery shopper said that this was not going to work as it was not a confidential place to discuss financial and health matters. An embarrassed shrug of the shoulders was their response.
The idea of using a van is all very well in rural areas where there is no alternative, but not in a conurbation like Shirebrook. It is a waste of money and, when no one uses it, will be withdrawn. We've seen it all before. The MP, Natalie Fleet needs to put some pressure on the department to reinstate a proper job centre with full services in Shirebrook as soon as possible. If Sports Direct moves to Warwickshire, as seems likely, a job centre will be a much-needed service to support the community facing mass unemployment.
