WORKERS whose jobs are at risk are to stage a protest rally against government plans to close tax offices.

Staff at offices in Russell Street in Middlesbrough and George Stephenson House in Thornaby, near Stockton, face the prospect of being relocated to Newcastle or the possibility of redundancy.

Earlier this month, Labour MPs Alex Cunningham, Andy McDonald, Anna Turley, Mike Hill and Dr Paul Williams sent a collective letter to the Chief Secretary to the Treasury in a bid to ensure the offices stay open.

Following the later, a protest march will be held at11.30am outside Stockton Library, with the rally starting on Stockton High Street at around 12pm.

Paul Williams MP, whose constituency George Stephenson House is in, said: “To lose 900 dedicated, skilled and experienced workers, at a time when Teesside can play its part In dealing with a £120bn tax shortfall, is unacceptable.”

Gordon Rowntree, Public and Commercial Services Union Branch Secretary, said: “The vast majority of our members find it totally unreasonable to have to travel up to an extra three hours a day and be expected to pay for the privilege.

"This is particularly difficult to accept when we have suffered increased hardship as a result of the one per cent public sector pay cap and increased pension contributions.

"We want local Teessiders, trade unions, community groups and politicians to come along to the rally and join us to say “enough is enough”.

"We will not give up our jobs and those for the future generation of Teessiders," he added.