Menu
25/06/2012
HMRC Staff To Strike Over Job Cuts
Some 55,000 Revenue and Customs (HMRC) staff will strike over job cuts and "creeping privatisation".
Public and Commercial Services union members are protesting about plans to cut 10,000 HMRC posts by 2014/2015.
The union said a lack of resources meant billions in tax was lost annually through evasion and avoidance and the "massive cuts" would worsen the issue.
HMRC said it was on target to increase its tax take from compliance work and was "disappointed" by the strike.
"We are seeking dialogue with the PCS to address their concerns and will work to minimise any disruption to our customers," a spokesman said.
"In our 2010 spending review the government made £917m available to us to tackle avoidance, evasion and fraud. This is being used to increase our tax take from compliance work by £7bn a year in 2014/15 which we are on target to do."
The PCS said the latest plans for job cuts follow about 30,000 job losses since the department was formed in 2005.
In May, the Public Accounts Committee said an additional £1.1bn in potential tax revenue could have been collected over the previous five years if compliance and enforcement staffing levels had not been cut.
General secretary Mark Serwotka said the case for investment in public services "could not be more obvious than it is at the HMRC".
"Yet the government wants to cut 10,000 more jobs from the department, letting the wealthy tax dodgers off the hook and punishing the rest of us for a recession we did not cause," he said.
The union says it is also opposed to year-long trials using private companies to handle tax credit enquiries at two centres in Lillyhall, Cumbria, and Bathgate, West Lothian.
Mr Serwotka has described it as "creeping privatisation" in HMRC.
Other forms of action such as a ban on overtime will follow the strike.
(H)
Public and Commercial Services union members are protesting about plans to cut 10,000 HMRC posts by 2014/2015.
The union said a lack of resources meant billions in tax was lost annually through evasion and avoidance and the "massive cuts" would worsen the issue.
HMRC said it was on target to increase its tax take from compliance work and was "disappointed" by the strike.
"We are seeking dialogue with the PCS to address their concerns and will work to minimise any disruption to our customers," a spokesman said.
"In our 2010 spending review the government made £917m available to us to tackle avoidance, evasion and fraud. This is being used to increase our tax take from compliance work by £7bn a year in 2014/15 which we are on target to do."
The PCS said the latest plans for job cuts follow about 30,000 job losses since the department was formed in 2005.
In May, the Public Accounts Committee said an additional £1.1bn in potential tax revenue could have been collected over the previous five years if compliance and enforcement staffing levels had not been cut.
General secretary Mark Serwotka said the case for investment in public services "could not be more obvious than it is at the HMRC".
"Yet the government wants to cut 10,000 more jobs from the department, letting the wealthy tax dodgers off the hook and punishing the rest of us for a recession we did not cause," he said.
The union says it is also opposed to year-long trials using private companies to handle tax credit enquiries at two centres in Lillyhall, Cumbria, and Bathgate, West Lothian.
Mr Serwotka has described it as "creeping privatisation" in HMRC.
Other forms of action such as a ban on overtime will follow the strike.
(H)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
11 November 2008
Conservative Tax Cuts Would Create Jobs, Says Cameron
A Tory government would slash corporation tax to stimulate new jobs, in an attempt to reduce the impact of a looming recession, David Cameron has insisted. Opposition leader, Mr Cameron, who still leads in voter opinion polls, said a Conservative administration would generate an additional 350,000 by providing tax breaks to UK firms.
Conservative Tax Cuts Would Create Jobs, Says Cameron
A Tory government would slash corporation tax to stimulate new jobs, in an attempt to reduce the impact of a looming recession, David Cameron has insisted. Opposition leader, Mr Cameron, who still leads in voter opinion polls, said a Conservative administration would generate an additional 350,000 by providing tax breaks to UK firms.
24 June 2013
Serious Tax Evasions Hit Its Lowest Level
The number of cases of serious tax evasion identified by HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) has hit its lowest level in the last five years, according to Pinsent Masons, the international law firm.
Serious Tax Evasions Hit Its Lowest Level
The number of cases of serious tax evasion identified by HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) has hit its lowest level in the last five years, according to Pinsent Masons, the international law firm.
30 November 2010
Corporation Tax Reform To Create 'Competition'
The Government has published details of its Corporate Tax Reform programme consisting of a series of essential reforms designed to improve the UK's tax competitiveness. Measures include the introduction of new Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) rules and a commitment to introduce a Patent Box.
Corporation Tax Reform To Create 'Competition'
The Government has published details of its Corporate Tax Reform programme consisting of a series of essential reforms designed to improve the UK's tax competitiveness. Measures include the introduction of new Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) rules and a commitment to introduce a Patent Box.
22 November 2011
Tax Office Launches Offshore Unit
A specialist unit targeting offshore tax cheats has been launched by HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) on Tuesday.
Tax Office Launches Offshore Unit
A specialist unit targeting offshore tax cheats has been launched by HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) on Tuesday.
31 March 2005
Lib Dems pledge to scrap 'unfair' council tax
The Liberal Democrats have vowed to scrap the "unfair" council tax, on the 15th anniversary of the poll tax riots. The party said that the council tax should be replaced with a local income tax, based on the ability to pay.
Lib Dems pledge to scrap 'unfair' council tax
The Liberal Democrats have vowed to scrap the "unfair" council tax, on the 15th anniversary of the poll tax riots. The party said that the council tax should be replaced with a local income tax, based on the ability to pay.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
