Over 2000 local jobs have been secured after it was announced East Kilbride’s tax office has been saved from closure.
In a landmark victory for our ‘Stay in EK’ campaign, HMRC today announced to delighted staff that the government department has reversed its decision to relocate to Glasgow.
Centre One, now named Queensway House, will be retained as part of its wider regional Glasgow centre.
HMRC had planned for an office to supplement the Glasgow centre when the transitional site in East Kilbride closed in 2025/26.
And we can reveal that they have now decided that will be in East Kilbride, either at Queensway House or elsewhere in the town.
In a remarkable U-turn, HMRC said it believes that basing the office in East Kilbride makes the “best sense” for its colleagues, business and customers, stating its position has changed in response to the demands of Brexit, changes to Universal Credit and the COVID pandemic.
Brian Redford, HMRC Glasgow Senior Sponsor, told Lanarkshire Live : “Choosing East Kilbride for the second phase of our Glasgow regional centre makes the best sense for our colleagues, business and customers.
"I’m looking forward to continuing to build our regional community and working to create career development and engagement opportunities for colleagues across both sites.”
Branch vice-president for the Public and Commercial Services union (PCS),John Davidson, told us of his delight at the news.
He said: “This is very good news.
"We see this as vindication for the ‘Stay in EK’ campaign backed by the East Kilbride News which gained cross-party support.
“What we’ve been saying from day one has finally resonated with the government – it made no sense to take 2000 jobs out of East Kilbride.”
PCS paid tribute to its branch in East Kilbride who have fought hard for the ‘Stay in EK’ campaign since 2015.
In a statement the union said: “Local politicians from all parties, union officials and businesses united to advocate the retention of jobs in the town.
“Over 2000 East Kilbride jobs were on the line, but another 2000 people could have been indirectly affected due to the impact of HMRC quitting East Kilbride.
“The EK News embraced the campaign, using the ‘Stay in EK’ logo in its masthead and running regular features.
"Staying in East Kilbride will represent value for money for the taxpayer – and provide long-term security for our members and the town.
“PCS will consult closely with HMRC over whether the current Queensway House office is retained or a new building is obtained in East Kilbride.”
Throughout the campaign, the PCS outlined the devastating impact of the loss of tax jobs to the town – forecasting losses of between £16.3m and £30.7m from its economy.
It predicted over £2m could be lost in retail and hospitality alone, with over 400 jobs at risk in the East Kilbride area as a result of the closure.
This is despite HMRC repeatedly insisting there would be “limited” economic impact on East Kilbride – despite failing to carry out a impact assessment of any kind.
Dr Lisa Cameron, MP for East Kilbride, was fully behind the ‘Stay in EK’ battle.
She said: “I am delighted that after years of campaigning, the badly thought out closure plans for EK Centre One have finally been shelved by UK Government.
"This is a resounding victory for East Kilbride, a boost for our local area on its 75th Birthday, and such a great relief for the thousands of local staff affected”.
Staff are expected to be updated on HMRC’s plans for a new East Kilbride location this summer.
HMRC chief executive Jim Harra told Lanarkshire Live : “I am pleased to announce the latest phase of our locations strategy and long term commitment to keeping skilled jobs in East Kilbride.
“The locations strategy is key to enabling HMRC’s transformation into a modern and trusted tax and customs authority, equipped to meet customers’ needs.
“It supports the government’s plans to promote growth and job opportunities by creating opportunities and career paths in every region and country of the UK.”
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