150 tax office staff 'being forced to Manchester'
10:35am Friday 7th March 2008
ALMOST 150 staff at Bolton's tax office face being forced to move to Manchester, a union representative has claimed.
Two thirds of the work currently carried out by workers at the Churchgate office will be transferred out under a Government reorganisation.
It means that, despite the office being saved from closure, many staff will be relocated.
Staff who claim they are unable to move through disability, family commitments will be invited to put their case forward.
Caroline Reid, from the Bolton branch of the Public and Commercial Services Union said: "There are significant issues for the staff currently working at the Bolton office as around two thirds of the work is being moved to Manchester along with staff who are able to move.
"There are 250 staff here at the moment, but there will only be work for 109 people with the reorganisation.
"It is up to staff to prove they are unable to move either due to excessive journey time, health issues or domestic issues.
"Many staff are worried what will happen to them if they can't move with the work.
"There is no news yet as to what will replace it which leaves the office potentially two thirds empty and vulnerable to a renewed threat of closure."
Earlier this week HM Revenue and Customs announced that the office, which employs 253 people, would stay open.
Ten of the 18 offices in the North-west are being closed after a review which is expected to save £3.4 million.
David Crausby, MP for Bolton North-east, helped fight against the closure of the office.
He said: "The important principle is that the office is staying open and we can build on this.
"I am concerned because I was not given any of the details regarding jobs.
"I am happy to talk to the union about this and support them."
A spokesman for HM Revenue and Customs said: "Business units within the department may need to move work around and in some cases people.
"Our policy is to avoid compulsory moves outside reasonable daily travel wherever possible.
"Staff will be consulted to ensure that any proposed move is reasonable in their personal circumstances.
"Once it is decided to go ahead with an internal move, staff will be expected to go with their team unless there are personal circumstances that would make it unreasonable.
"In these circumstances individuals can discuss their concerns on a one to one basis and alternative options will always be explored."