Speaking in Treasury Questions in Parliament, Imran pressed Treasury Ministers to ensure that staff at HMRC offices set to close in Bradford are able to transfer to the new regional hub set to be established in Leeds.

Following Imran’s question, the Financial Secretary to the Treasury confirmed that 90% of the personnel in place as of 2015 would be able to move to a new HMRC location or see out their career in their current offices, and that the Treasury would support these staff in the process, a decision welcomed by Mr Hussain.

However whilst welcoming the announcement, Imran further pressed the Minister on what opportunities the Government will be creating in Bradford as part of plans to increase the number of civil service jobs outside London. Although the vast majority of jobs at HMRC offices in Bradford will transfer to Leeds and the employment of staff secured as a result, Imran pointed out that the relocation of the HMRC offices will leave a large gap in future employment opportunities in Bradford as a result.

Speaking on the issue, Imran said:

“Whilst I welcome the guarantee that the Minister has provided, I will be continuing to press him for further details to ensure that the roles which will be transferred will retain the same salaries, benefits and protections as the existing roles. HMRC must not be able to use this opportunity to lower standards and weaken contracts for their staff.

“The Treasury also has to look with other Government departments at ensuring that Bradford receives its fair share of public sector jobs considering the oversaturation of these jobs in Leeds. The Government profess their commitment to a Northern Powerhouse and it is time they supported this commitment by spreading essential government jobs across the whole region, not concentrating them in one place.”