Time for action is now as threat of job cuts looms at HMRC - Burstow

12.35.20pm UTC (GMT +0000) Tue 19th Dec 2006

Paul Burstow MP for Sutton and Cheam

Paul Burstow, MP for Sutton and Cheam, has expressed his concern at news that consultation is underway which may lead job cuts and offices closures in HM Revenue and Customs offices in the London Borough of Sutton.

Mr Burstow is calling on local residents who feel they may be affected by closures to contact his office. Staff at facilities such as Helena House provide face to face advice and information about tax matters, including tax credit overpayments.

HMRC facilities in Sutton form part of the Outer London 'cluster' of offices. These facilities currently employ 4,407 people. The HMRC is seeking to reduce this by 800 jobs over the next two years and aims to employ no more than 3,300 people by 2010 - a total loss of over a thousand members of staff.

Commenting on the news, Paul Burstow MP said:

"We do not yet know what will happen here in Sutton, but the time is right to begin preparations."

"With a planned reduction of nearly 25% of staff working in HMRC offices in outer London in coming years, it is right to take action now."

"I am asking anyone who feels they may be affected - staff and service users alike - to come forward and contact me. If cuts are to happen, we need to be ready."