Tax Jobs Warning

The Labour party warns that thousands of HMRC workers could lose their jobs in the event of a 'yes' vote.

It's claimed thousands of tax jobs could be lost if Scotland becomes independent.

9, 090 HMRC jobs are based in Scotland, that equates to two in Fife, compared to 69, 985 south of the border.

A Labour MP will tell a Westminster debate this evening that those jobs jobs could come under threat.

Shadow pensions minister Gregg McClymont said: 

"The figures are clear. Scotland gets a good deal when it comes to UK public sector jobs. We benefit from a HMRC jobs dividend in excess of 3000 posts.

"It is clear that when you are administering a tax system for 5 million people rather than 63, you will need far fewer staff. I know from Cumbernauld what an important part of the local economy the tax office can be.
 
"As part of the UK we can have the best of both worlds – a strong Scottish Parliament, with the guarantee of more powers, without losing the strength, stability and security of being part of the UK. That is why so many Scots are saying No thanks to separation."

The Scottish Government's White Paper on independence sets out plans to create a Scottish tax system, which it says would be 'less cumbersome and less open to avoidance'.