HMRC has dismissed 179 employees for gross misconduct, marking the highest number in five years.
- This figure represents a 43% increase since 2020, when 125 employees faced similar actions.
- The dismissals highlight HMRC’s stricter disciplinary stance amidst operational challenges.
- Notable cases involve severe breaches such as fraud and unlawful access to sensitive data.
- Rising demands and internal criticism have exacerbated pressures on HMRC’s performance.
The HMRC has seen a significant rise in employee dismissals, reaching 179 cases for gross misconduct, the highest in five years. The increase from 125 dismissals in 2020 indicates a substantial 43% rise, underscoring the department’s commitment to upholding strict conduct standards. Gross misconduct includes serious offences such as theft, bullying, and negligence, as well as specific breaches like disclosing sensitive taxpayer information or committing fraud.
This firmer disciplinary approach now accounts for over half of the 321 terminations at the HMRC this year, reflecting a significant shift in internal policy. The HMRC, employing over 65,000 staff, is prioritising the maintenance of high behavioural standards to protect its operations and data integrity. One notable case involved an employee defrauding the taxpayer of £300,000 by exploiting their access to the tax system, leading to a prison sentence.
The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has faced similar misconduct issues, with 190 dismissals this year compared to 221 previously. This trend at both the HMRC and DWP highlights the critical need for robust policies to prevent misuse of government systems. As Steve Sweetlove from RSM noted, maintaining strict standards is crucial given the sensitive nature of taxpayer data.
Employment law specialist Michael Newman emphasised that gross misconduct is for the most severe breaches, highlighting that criteria can vary with different government roles. Fraud at the HMRC, in particular, poses a severe concern due to its potential impact on public trust and departmental integrity.
HMRC’s difficulties are compounded by operational challenges, with only 66% of customer calls being answered last year, below their 85% target. Rising service demands, driven by unchanged tax thresholds bringing more taxpayers into higher rates, have strained resources further. The Public Accounts Committee has criticised HMRC’s service levels, describing them as the worst to date, amidst increasing public dissatisfaction.
Reported workplace issues at HMRC, such as bullying and harassment, affect 8% of staff, while overall employee engagement has fallen to 56%, the lowest within the civil service. A government representative acknowledged these challenges but assured that allegations of misconduct are taken seriously, with necessary actions carried out to maintain a respectful working environment. Future recruitment initiatives, supported by additional funding, aim to bolster departmental performance and oversight.
HMRC’s unprecedented rise in dismissals highlights the necessity for stringent conduct enforcement amidst ongoing operational pressures.
