WORKERS at a jobcentre in one of the most deprived areas in Sheffield walked out today in protest against its closure.

The government’s attack on public services and jobs has targeted the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) Eastern Avenue jobcentre which provides vital services to benefit claimant in the former steel city.

The DWP intends to close the centre — along with 77 others across the country.

Public service union PCS, which represents workers at the jobcentre, has repeatedly opposed the closures but the DWP has refused to back down, prompting staff to vote overwhelmingly for strike action.

“The Eastern Avenue jobcentre is located in one of the most deprived parts of Sheffield and provides a vital service to the local community,” said PCS general secretary Mark Serwotka.

“Closing the jobcentre would have a massive impact. Our message is clear, listen to staff and the local community, stop the cuts and defend public services.”

Announcement of the proposed closure by the DWP prompted a local campaign supported by local MPs. A petition against the closure has collected thousands of signatures.

During a commons debate on January 30, Yorkshire MPs condemned the planned closures as nothing more than “a spreadsheet exercise that will have a severe impact on the worst-off.”

Many of the 78 jobcentres targeted for closure serve some of Britain’s most deprived communities.

Last week delegates at PCS’s annual conference voted unanimously to support members at Eastern Avenue in their strike action.

Today’s strike will be followed by a five-day stoppage from Monday, June 12.