HAMMER BLOW FOR TAX STAFF
Politicians say new home deal could be the end for 'Stay In EK' campaign
East Kilbride politicians believe the announcement that HMRC have signed a 25-year lease for new premises in Glasgow could be the deathknell in the battle to save thousands of tax jobs.
The ‘Stay in EK’ campaign, led by the Public and Commercial Services (PCS) union, have been fighting to stop government plans to move 2700 staff out of East Kilbride to a regional centre in the city by 2026.
Plaza Tower is due to close its doors by 2021 followed by Centre 1 and HMRC confirmed this week that they had formally signed an agreement to lease a ten-storey new build in Glasgow city centre. While
It is a hammer blow to East Kilbride Graham Simpson
Tory Central Scotland List MSP Graham Simpson has described the announcement as a “hammer blow” for the campaign and East Kilbride, the PCS say the fight is not over.
Mr Simpson told the News: “While it is great news for Glasgow, it is a hammer blow to East Kilbride.
“HMRC have made no attempt whatsoever to look at options for staying in the town. They have been bewitched by the idea of having a showpiece site in our largest city.
“They have always been under the mistaken impression that being in Glasgow city centre will help them attract the best staff.
“There is a danger of Scotland’s first new town becoming a dormitory town and that’s something none of us want to see.”
The SNP’s Linda Fabiani described the announcement as a “real blow for the workers of East Kilbride.”
And she added: “This is an unnecessary upheaval and worry for existing staff who work in East Kilbride.
“The potential effect on our local economy has not even been assessed, despite my and the union’s repeated request to the UK Government.
“Yet again, there has been no proper planning or consideration given to this ill thought out plan.
“In the weeks and months ahead, I will continue to support and assist the PCS union where I can as they continue to challenge the UK Government and fight for the retention of tax services in East Kilbride.
“I will write, yet again, to the UK Government Minister to demand consideration of East Kilbride, our skilled workforce and our local economy.”
Scott Clark, East Kilbride organiser for the PCS, accused HMRC of once again leaving staff in East Kilbride facing an uncertain future.
He said: “Rather than providing stability for staff, this week’s announcement by HMRC has caused further uncertainty in the workforce – serving to enforce PCS’s repeated concerns over the lack of credibility around HMRC’s reactionary planning model and the effects felt by staff and communities as a result.
“As things stand at the present moment, the message to East Kilbride staff from HMRC staff is to stay in EK until 2026.
“This echoes the PCS message that HMRC should Stay In EK for the long-term future. The picture post-2021 remains up in the air.
“HMRC plan to create up to 5000 Brexit jobs to be located around the United Kingdom. PCS in East Kilbride are arguing for a percentage of these jobs to be situated in East Kilbride.
“This – along with the years of experience in local and national compliance, transforming, planning and customer service – builds an undeniable business case to prove the value of East Kilbride staff to HMRC in terms of collecting valuable tax revenue to keep the country running and proves we simply must keep an office in East Kilbride open post2026.
“It is of vital importance to the future prospects of East Kilbride residents and families to keep more than 2000 skilled jobs in our town.
“As a town, it’s important that we organise together and apply pressure to the UK Government. As a combined voice we can win the battle and make sure HMRC decides to Stay In EK.”
Dr Lisa Cameron, MP for East Kilbride, Strathaven and Lesmahagow, said: “I am disappointed by the latest decision by HMRC.
“The UK Government appear to be listening to no one. The Stay in EK campaign remains strong however, with extraordinary public support.”
An HMRC spokesman said: “We have confirmed that Centre 1 in East Kilbride will remain open for the next eight years, until 2025-26, helping HMRC transition to the Glasgow Regional Centre.
“To ensure that our East Kilbride site remains a good quality working environment for that period, we will invest in necessary building improvements and repairs, on top of the upgrades recently completed at the site.”