This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It will not be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/rss/-/1/hi/uk/7764550.stm

The article has changed 5 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 0 Version 1
Revenue & Customs '3,400 job cut' Revenue & Customs '3,400 job cut'
(20 minutes later)
HM Revenue & Customs is to close more than 90 offices across the UK and cut 3,400 jobs, the PCS union has said. HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) is to close more than 90 offices across the UK and cut 3,400 jobs, the PCS union has said.
The union had already warned that 500 jobs would go with the closure of 10 offices in Wales. The union said the closures would be "bad for business, the public and the taxpayer" and lead to the loss of valuable skills and expertise.
Its general secretary Mark Serwotka has said the union will campaign to keep as many offices open as possible. It said 17,000 jobs had already been cut since March 2004.
The PCS has warned the department's ability to collect revenues and provide tax advice would be undermined by the closures and loss of experienced staff. Treasury Minister Stephen Timms said the decision had not been easy but that the department had to restructure in the most "effective and efficient way".
In a written statement, Mr Timms said HMRC had consulted staff and trade unions before completing its regional review programme.
According to the PCS, the cuts will affect the following regions:
  • Eastern - 18 offices, 800 jobs
  • South West - 19 offices, 835 jobs
  • North West - 11 offices, number of jobs unknown
  • Yorkshire and Humber - nine offices, 400 jobs
  • Northern Ireland - five offices, 190 jobs
  • Scotland - 20 offices, 400 jobs
  • Wales - 11 offices, 470 jobs