BORDERS MP CONTINUES FIGHT AGAINST THREATS TO LOCAL REVENUE AND CUSTOMS JOBS

12.32.13pm BST (GMT +0100) Wed 23rd May 2007

Borders MP Michael Moore is continuing his fight against threats to local Revenue and Customs jobs. Thirty-nine members of staff in the HMRC offices in Galashiels and Hawick face an uncertain future while a re-structuring exercise is undertaken. This follows a decision by the Chancellor of the Exchequer, Gordon Brown, to cut the number of jobs in the civil service. Mr Moore recently met with officials from the Planning and Economic Development Department at Scottish Borders Council to discuss the impact of these potential job losses on the towns. He has now written to the Acting Chairman of Her Majesty's Revenue and Customs, Paul Gray, seeking confirmation of the process by which the future of the offices will be determined.

Mr Moore said: "It is vital that all those who might be affected by this re-structure have a chance to voice their concerns before any decisions are made. The consultation process has to be a real one and all available options must be fully considered. I hope to receive confirmation from the Chairman that employees, officials from Scottish Borders Council, Union representatives and all appropriate bodies will be fully consulted and able to influence the process before any final decision about the future of the office is taken."

Mr Moore has pledged to continue campaigning alongside the Public and Commercial Services Union against any job cuts that might be proposed.