THE Archbishop of Glasgow has urged the UK Government to think again over plans to shut half of the City’s Jobcentres.

Philip Tartaglia has joined the opposition to the plans which will see some claimints having to walk three miles or pay extra for bus fare to sign on.

He said it increases the risk of sanctions if people are late for appointments.

The Jobcentres to shut are Anniesland, Bridgeton, Castlemilk, Easterhouse, Langside, Maryhill and Parkhead as well as Cambuslang.

The Archbsihop said: “I am very concerned by the Department of Work and Pensions’ proposals to close half of Glasgow’s Job Centres.

“Sadly, Glasgow has one of the highest rates of unemployment in Scotland, and suffers high levels of deprivation as a result. Closing offices in some of the most deprived areas of the city, risks reducing access to support for those who need it most.”

He has urged a re-think putting claimants’ needs at the heart of the decision

He added: “Tens of thousands of people will potentially have to travel further at additional cost to attend their appointments, while risking severe sanctions if they are even a few minutes late. I hope this proposal will be reconsidered in a way which respects the dignity of claimants and meets their needs.”