The Department for Work and Pensions is currently reviewing the nationwide network of Jobcentres and has proposed closing the Ipswich Street branch.

But the move has sparked anger among residents and the town council, who feel losing the vital service will leave many people unable to find work.

Now David Ruffley, MP for Stowmarket and Bury St Edmunds, has written to Tina Ellis, Jobcentre Plus district manager, arguing its closure would lead to 'considerable hardship' for many residents.

He said the Office for National Statistics showed nationwide unemployment had risen by 60,000 to 1.67 million between April and June.

"Although employment in the East of England has not so far been hit by the economic downturn, the national trend shows we cannot be complacent," he said.

"To deprive Stowmarket residents of their local Jobcentre just when they may need it most is short-sighted in the extreme."

Under the proposals, job-seekers would be expected to travel to Bury or Ipswich to access a Jobcentre Plus or use its online internet services.

But Mr Ruffley said: "If you haven't got a job you can't afford to travel to and fro – you need services to be provided locally. Neither can it be assumed that everyone can access Jobcentre services online.

"I call on the management of Jobcentre Plus to think again. It is crazy to close Stowmarket Jobcentre Plus when it may be needed most."

A spokeswoman for Jobcentre Plus said no final decision had yet been made over the Stowmarket branch.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Click here to go back to our main news index.