EIGHTEEN Revenue and Customs offices in the East of England are to close as part of a move to cut 3,400 jobs across the country, it was announced today.

EIGHTEEN Revenue and Customs offices in the East of England are to close as part of a move to cut 3,400 jobs across the country, it was announced today.

The Public and Commercial Services (PCS) union condemned the move, which it warned would be bad news for taxpayers and would lead to the loss of valuable skills and expertise.

In the east 18 offices will close with the loss of 800 jobs, 234 to be lost in the area as five local offices are vacated.

In Suffolk 82 jobs are at risk as offices in Bury St Edmunds and Sudbury will be closed.

And in north Essex the Northgate House office in Colchester and offices in Clacton-on-Sea, and Witham will close with the loss of 152 jobs.

The closures are planned to start from spring 2009.

Check this website for updates.