THE Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) is to close its contact and processing centre at Killoch House in Cumnock.

However, the DWP confirmed that the Jobcentre on Townhead Street will remain open and insisted there will be no job losses.

The department first announced closure plans at the turn of the year and has now confirmed 21 of its 119 offices in Scotland will close, including 10 Jobcentres.

A spokesman for the DWP said: “Our intention is not to make redundancies. These plans are designed to retain the skills and experience of people across the country.

“We recognise that for some employees in a small number of cases, relocation and redeployment may be more difficult. However, we will seek to relocate or offer alternative roles to colleagues and everyone affected will have an individual discussion with their manager.”

Damian Hinds, Minster for Employment added: “We will always make sure that people have the support they need to get into and progress within work. These changes reflect the fact that more people access their benefits online resulting in many of our buildings being underused.

“We’re merging some offices and locating other jobcentres with local authorities to make sure that the welfare state and our employment support works.”

South Scotland MSP Colin Smyth was quick to slam the closure claiming it could cost hundreds of local jobs. He said: “This decision is a devastating blow to Cumnock and the surrounding area, which has enough challenges when it comes to employment without the Government department that is supposed to help people find work, actually contributing to the loss of jobs.”