Job centre plan in Wigan could create 50 jobs

The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has submitted a planning application to Wigan Council for the former Mesnes House education centre in Mesnes Street.

The centre would provide a range of full time and part-time jobs and bring back to life a site which has been empty since December 2019.

It would operate on an appointments-only basis with only very limited walk-ins available in light of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Planning documents submitted as part of the application read: “The centre will provide a total of 50 staff (full time and part-time).

“The centre generally operates on an appointment-only basis and so there is a high degree of control over the numbers visiting the job centre at any one time.

“Footfall is therefore carefully managed.

“Job centres assist people away from claiming benefits by placing them back into the work force.

“It further helps employers advertise jobs and deal with benefits for people who are unemployed or unable to work because of a health condition or disability.

“The consultations are undertaken by trained professionals however no medical procedures take place at the site.

“The centre will also assist individuals in queries relating to Universal Credit.”

The application said the centre will provide socio-economic benefits in financially supporting people and helping them get back into

work.

While it said the proposal would benefit the area by bringing a vacant building back into use.

According to commercial property website Realla, Mesnes House is under offer at a price of £850,000

A plan to convert the offices into 29 apartments was refused by council planners earlier this year.