Scottish Secretary urged to save tax office

The PCS union has been campaigning for two years to save Cumbernauld’s biggest employer, with HMRC announcing the intended location of a new Glasgow Regional Centre in February.

This prompted the PCS branch to work with North Lanarkshire Council staff on an economic impact assessment for Cumbernauld following a survey of members.

Mr McDonald met with David Mundell MP in Whitehall to highlight how the loss of jobs to Glasgow would be a huge blow to workers and the town as a whole.

He presented a copy of the economic impact assessment to Mr Mundell, who has committed to a further meeting.

Mr McDonald said: “I used the meeting with the Scottish Secretary to highlight the hugely detrimental effect the proposed closure of the HMRC office would have on workers and the local economy.

“I provided him with an economic impact assessment and made clear the impact the closure would have on the town as well as the many concerns staff have raised such as additional travel and child care costs.

“He agreed that he and I should meet again, this time with HMRC also present, to discuss these issues further.

“It is imperative the UK Government sees sense on this issue, I will continue fighting alongside PCS to make that happen and to keep these jobs in Cumbernauld.”