Two job centres in Barnet are set to close, with their closest “neighbouring” alternatives being a considerable journey away by public transport.

A public consultation is currently live concerning the imminent closure of the Finchley and Edgware Jobcentres, as their Department for Work & Pensions buildings contracts are set to expire.

The Labour opposition in Barnet Council has appealed to Thursday’s (February 23) policy and resources committee to write into the consultation to lay out the impracticalities users might face after the closures.

Centres across the country will be hit by these closures as the DWP looks to make reductions and cuts when their 20-year contracts come to an end, moving certain services online.

When the nominated Barnet centres shut down on March 31 next year, the DWP suggests users go to “neighbouring” Jobcentres in Hendon and High Barnet – the two remaining in Barnet.

Labour pointed out the noted 23 minute travel time from Finchley to High Barnet is in reality much longer on public transport, more likely taking up to an hour at peak times.

Labour leader Cllr Barry Rawlings said: “We oppose these closures because it will mean a worse service for local people looking for work when we should be making it easier.

“In addition to the longer distance and travel time to Hendon or High Barnet, it could mean longer queues and wait times at the two remaining Jobcentres and less opportunity for face-to-face advice on more complex issues like Universal Credit.

“The suggestion part time outreach advice could be provided in a local community venue like a library may be difficult to achieve given the reduced space at local libraries, and is not a replacement for the current services.”

The committee agreed a response to the Jobcentres consultation would be drafted by officers and circulated for agreement to members of the committee before the deadline.

Barnet Council is currently looking into ways to reach out to Jobcentre users who will be most affected by the closures.

Leader of the council Cllr Richard Cornelius said: “We are working hard to join up support for our more vulnerable residents.

“This includes families affected by welfare reform and those receiving support from our Families First and Care Leavers programmes.

“WE have helped more than 1,300 Barnet residents back into work through our various employment schemes.”

Jobcentre Plus staff work out of Burnt Oak Library, Barnet House and the Care Leavers Hub and support outreach sessions in a variety of community buildings, including children’s centres.

Support available for the unemployed can be found online and in the remaining Jobcentres, including the option to get a Jobcentre Plus travel discount card through Transport for London.

The Flexible Support Fund can also help people find support with travelling to interviews or for the first few weeks at a new job.

Anyone wanting to respond to the consultation should send their email by 5pm tomorrow (February 28) to plp.siteconsultation@dwp.gsi.gov.uk