AN MP has thrown his weight behind HMRC workers who say they jobs are being placed at risk by Government plans to create centralised regional offices.

Easington MP Grahame Morris met with HMRC workers in Peterlee, where it is claimed the closure of to their office will affect almost 500 workers who will be forced to commute to Newcastle if they want to keep their jobs.

He said, a report by the National Audit Office warned the Government’s plan is “unrealistic” and is unlikely to save as much money as expected as costs of the new regional centre continue to rise.

Mr Morris said: “I share their palpable anger at the Government’s ill-thought out plans to centralise the services delivered by HMRC.

“Relocating these jobs to Newcastle is questionable cost-cutting exercise.

Peterlee HMRC provide an exemplary service, which simply will cannot be replicated in an impersonal and inaccessible regional centre.”

He added: “The closure of the Peterlee office will lead to some staff having to give up their jobs, and those who accept transfer will see their family life disrupted having to travel to and from Newcastle each day for work adding up to four hours to travel times.”

“Taken alongside the pay restraint of the past decade which has cut real term wages, it is not difficult to see why HMRC staff are fed up and demoralised.

“This decision will weaken the local economy in east Durham, taking jobs and money out of the area. I urge this Government to think again not least because of the need to provide additional support to vulnerable people in receipt of tax credits transferring to Universal Credit.”

An HMRC spokesperson said: “HMRC is transforming into a smaller, more highly-skilled organisation offering modern, digital services. In November 2015, we announced a ten-year transformation programme to create a tax authority fit for the future, by creating 13 new modern regional centres serving every nation and region in the UK.

“We will continue to support people in relocating to the regional centres and in trying to find alternative solutions for those that can’t. We want to keep as many staff as possible and expect the vast majority of the current workforce will either work in a regional centre or see out their career in an HMRC office.”