MP angered by Minister’s HMRC redundancies response

The East Londonderry MP expressed concern and disappointment at the recent announcement that jobs are to go in three HMRC offices - in Londonderry, Enniskillen and Newry.

The DUP man said he had been informed just three weeks ago by the Treasury Minister that no voluntary redundancies in Northern Ireland had been offered in the current financial year.

Mr Campbell said:“I am angered that voluntary redundancies have been offered to HMRC staff in three offices in Northern Ireland despite having been informed in Replies to Parliamentary Questions on July 14 from HM Treasury Minister David Gauke MP, that no voluntary redundancies had been offered in Northern Ireland in the current financial year.

“Prior to tabling the two Questions in July, constituents had approached me about voluntary redundancy terms and possible redeployment of work.

“I asked the Treasury if they would take steps to ensure that HM Revenue and Customs staff based in Northern Ireland scheduled to be offered voluntary redundancy terms will be given the opportunity of being redeployed.

“Treasury Minister David Gauke MP replied on 14th July and said, ‘HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) has not offered any voluntary redundancies in Northern Ireland in the current financial year. However, this cannot be ruled out in the future if redeployment options cannot be found for staff in need of new roles.’

“Employees find it difficult to believe on 14th July when the Minister’s reply was signed off on, that the voluntary redundancy announcement was not also finalised considering that it was put to employees three weeks later, on August 7.

“A Minister saying that something ‘cannot be ruled out in the future’ when it appears he has already decided to introduce it, is nauseating. Given the potential impact these voluntary redundancies will have on the staff, local community and the local economy, I have written to the Minister Mr Gauke asking that serious consideration be given, even at this late stage, to redeploying HMRC staff elsewhere within the Civil Service, or developing an arrangement with the Northern Ireland Civil Service that would allow a transfer across.”