City rallies together to save 400 tax jobs

A campaign launched in Derby in response to a HM Revenues and Customs (HMRC) move towards closing two tax offices has prompted the government to organise a wider consultation with the public.

The Derby Evening Telegraph's "Hands off our Taxmen" campaign was launched after HMRC said that it was considering the closure of the offices that would lead to 400 tax jobs being moved to Nottingham.

The campaign involved a petition against the closure that was signed by more than 2,600 people.

A business case was then presented to government officials that reviewed tax offices around the country. It is believed that the closure would take away £500,000 from Derby's economy.

Campaign representative John Forkin of Derby Marketing said: "I think this decision to consult with the communities is connected to Derby's campaign because we made it clear that HMRC can't threaten to take 400 jobs out of a city and not consult local agencies and communities," the Evening Telegraph reports.

"One thing we made clear was, yes, you have got to talk to workers but you have to talk to the city as well. They seem to have taken that on board and I think that is a positive step."

Another representative, city council leader Chris Williamson said: "I think up until now we have had a deafening silence from HMRC and this is a welcome step forward and hopefully an indication that there will be positive news at the end of the process."