Eight members of staff could face redundancy after HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) announced it will be closing its enquiry centres in Hitchin and Stevenage.
Currently four staff are employed at the Hitchin Enquiry Centre based in Portmill Lane with a further four people working at the Stevenage Enquiry Centre in St George’s Way.
Both centres will be replaced with a new support service – saving around £27 million a year – for customers who need extra help with their taxes, tax credits and child benefit from May.
Advisers will primarily resolve issues over the phone, with mobile adviser support available for those who need a face-to-face appointment at a suitable venue.
A spokesman for HMRC said: “HMRC is discussing the impact of these changes with staff in Enquiry Centres and unions, and will do everything possible to redeploy Enquiry Centre staff within HMRC, or help them to find another role in the Civil Service.”
The spokesman added that the current Enquiry Centres no longer meet the needs of our customers and that HMRC is committed to avoiding compulsory redundancies wherever possible and as part of their announcement will be offering staff who do not wish to be redeployed or apply for a position in the new service the opportunity of a voluntary exit.
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