MANAGERS have closed two of the biggest Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) sites in Scotland for coronavirus cleaning, The National has learned.
Staff were turned away from offices at Atlantic Quay in Glasgow city centre today.
Others were told not to attend Springburn jobcentre in the north of the city.
Both sites scheduled for rigorous deep cleaning as a precaution after being linked to potential Covid cases.
The multi-storey centres are amongst the biggest operated by the DWP in Scotland.
Under DWP policy, officials do not confirm or deny coronavirus-related incidents at its facilities.
However, it is understood that cleaning has completed at in Springburn, allowing operations to resume.
The Atlantic Quay closure is understood to be linked to a single potential case of the virus. It will reopen tomorrow.
The news comes on the same day that Work and Pensions Secretary Therese Coffey announced a Job Entry Targeted Support (JETS) scheme aimed at helping people out of work because of Covid-19 for three months.
An additional 13,500 work coaches will be recruited to deliver the initiative.
The announcement comes ahead of the scheduled Saturday opening of jobcentres from next month.
However, the DWP has withdrawn plans for late night opening following talks with the PCS union.
READ MORE: Coronavirus cluster shuts Glasgow jobcentre as staff slam 'inhumane' DWP push
The DWP did not provide a statement about the latest Glasgow closures.
However, it told the Sunday National: "Staff and customer safety is our priority. Sites have been adapted to ensure they are Covid-19 secure and we have engaged and consulted extensively regarding the expansion of our services – including with the PCS.
"Individual work coaches know what is best for their customers and they have been empowered to make decisions based on each case and their local situation."
Maryhill and Springburn MSP Bob Doris commented: "It is important for jobcentre plus to move quickly to reassure both staff and clients that they have robust procedures in place.
"Temporary closure and a deep clean are sensible measures and I hope DWP take the opportunity to communicate clearly when such measures are required in order to allay fears."
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