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Temps hired to chase unpaid tax bills
11th May, 2011
Smailes Goldie Chartered Accountants, in Hull and Barton-upon-Humber, are warning taxpayers that more than 1,000 temporary workers are being taken on by HMRC to help collect unpaid tax bills.
HMRC is recruiting the extra support to help it chase up outstanding taxes arising from 2009/10 tax returns.
Some commentators have already questioned how well trained the temps will be to carry out the work.
Nicki Shipley, Partner, Smailes Goldie, said:
"HMRC says the temps will be hired to work from now until March 2012, although it has denied claims that those who bring in unpaid tax will receive success related bonuses."
HMRC hopes the extra staff will enable it to restore service standards. Last month, HMRC chairman Mike Clasper told a select committee of MPs that he was unhappy with current levels of customer service and warned that the department was unlikely to be "in a good place" for another two years.
