Redruth Tax Office jobs blow

6.20.00pm BST (GMT +0100) Wed 11th Jun 2008

Redruth MP Julia Goldsworthy has condemned news today that Tax Office job cuts are planned across the county. Penzance, Truro and Launceston Tax Offices are set to close altogether, with 50 job losses expected in Redruth.

The proposals are set to go out to public consultation before any final decision, but the manner in which today's news has come to light has raised questions about the government's commitment to an open process, according to Julia Goldsworthy.

Commenting, Julia Goldsworthy said:

"After months of uncertainty, many workers worst fears have been confirmed. The loss of jobs will not just be a terrible blow to the individuals affected, it will also have a negative impact on the local economy. While ministers say they want to decentralise services, this announcement will do nothing but centralise - exposing their warm words as nothing but a sham.

"The government appear intent on pressing ahead with their plans for closure, and have not had the decency to inform properly those affected about the process to which they are about to be subjected. What faith can the public now have in any consultation process, when they appear already to have been treated with contempt?

"The first news of threatened tax office job losses provoked an outraged response from the local community in Redruth. If the government are sincere about a proper consultation process they will need to demonstrate that this is the case, by listening and responding to the concerns of the community and the individuals who will be directly affected."