HMRC Announces NI Voluntary Redundancies

HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) is to introduce a voluntary redundancy scheme in four of its offices in Northern Ireland.

The offices affected are in Enniskillen, Londonderry, Newry and Belfast.

HMRC said the redundancies were necessary because more people are choosing to conduct business online.

The number of staff eligible to apply for redundancy is 24 in Enniskillen 77 in L'Derry, 134 in Newry and five in Belfast.

Ulster Unionist MLA Tom Elliott said: "There is obvious concern from staff at the affected offices at Enniskillen, Londonderry, Newry and Belfast that the real policy of management is that if significant numbers accept voluntary redundancy then the numbers of staff remaining at the offices will result with those offices being unsustainable.

"This is a major concern, particularly in the west of the province, whereby this would leave a huge gap in HMRC front line customer service provision.

"There appears to be a gradual removal of public sector services away from Fermanagh - This would be a double blow to the area, the loss of jobs and loss of front line customer services.

"I will be making representation to the Secretary of State in the coming days to fight for the protection of these jobs in Fermanagh and other areas in Northern Ireland."

(IT/MH)