Job seekers will have to travel to Douglas to sign on after a threat of violence has led to the closure of the benefits office in Port Erin.

Bill Henderson MHK, who is the political member of the Treasury for social security, said the incident occurred at the Ramsey office and led to urgent risk assessments at both Ramsey and Port Erin.

He said: 'In Port Erin there is only one way in and out of the office and therefore no separate means of escape for an officer who is threatened with violence. The Treasury has therefore decided to discontinue services from those premises.'

He said customers who want to hand in a form or other document will have access to prepaid envelopes at the southern post offices. Job seekers will have to travel to Markwell House in Douglas to sign on once a fortnight. They won't be reimbursed bus fares as, the division points out, unemployed people in Peel and the west are expected to travel to Douglas to sign on.

The Port Erin office will close at the end of the working day tomorrow (Tuesday). The Ramsey office will remain open as it has an emergency exit for staff.

Mr Henderson said: 'It is unfortunate that the reckless actions of one customer will inconvenience many others. Should low-cost premises in the south of the Island become available, we will of course consider whether they meet our requirements for a safe and
secure social security office. If so, we may be in a position to reinstate services in the south.'


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