When we published our benefits sanctions story online last week it prompted many comments from people who slated the way staff at Clydebank Jobcentreplus treat those on benefits.

They were described as “obnoxious”, “patronising” and “condescending”.

However, workers at Clydebank Jobcentreplus and other job centres across the country are implementing the unpopular government policy to suspend welfare payments.

They are in the firing line when those on benefits have their money taken away for breaking strict government rules, such as missing a meeting or not applying for enough jobs.

And according to co-managers Jan Phillips and Joanne Gallacher it is not something anyone in the centre likes to see happening.

Post reporter Alan Ferguson visited Clydebank’s Jobcentreplus on Kilbowie Road on Monday and met with staff directly involved in helping people back into work.

They told of success stories and passion for their job. Joanne Gallacher said: “How do I feel about that negativity? I want to flip it and make it a positive thing. If there is a reason why people are unhappy they need to come and speak to us, let us work with them. That’s what we want to do — we invite people to come and tell us what’s wrong.” Managers Joanne and Jan Phillips, senior work coach Linda Conlan and employment advisor Yvonne McMillan have a combined experience of 133 years in Clydebank job centre.

They claim that a small minority are the loudest with negative views — and that most people are very happy with the service.

Joint manager Jan insisted that no sanctioning decision is taken by her staff and explained how the information is sent off to a “decision-maker”.

Both Linda Conlan and Yvonne McMillan told about the initiatives they have tirelessly worked on to get people back into employment.

Senior work coach Linda, who has been at Clydebank job centre for 29 years, told how she “loves” helping people and it is not just about ticking a box when one of her claimants get a job. She said: “We have got a good relationship with customers and we do get a lot of positive feedback. At the end of our group sessions we do we get amazing views returned to us. No one is prompted to say anything — we get people at the end of a four-week session asking to come back.” Asked why the number of sanctions dealt out in Clydebank has soared, Linda added: “We would like to know the answer to that one as well, we don’t know. It’s a last resort and there’s no one here that could put their hand up and say they enjoy doing it. It’s now part and parcel of the job — but it’s certainly not a nice part of the job.” Staff reiterated that sanctioning is out of their hands and that they are merely carrying out the orders of the Department of Work and Pensions. If they did not implement the rules, they too would be out of work.

Joanne Gallacher added: “People are made very clear what is expected of them when they sign up to Jobseeker’s Allowance. They are told online, in writing and in person. We can’t change the legislation but we make sure customers know exactly what they have to do.” Jan Phillips said: “We understand that people do get frustrated — and in reality there is a lot of focus on the negative rather than the very positive effect we have on peoples’ lives. The 18-24 group work is seeing great results and since last April we have seen a 32 per cent drop in the number of people in that age bracket claiming benefits.”