Jobs blow as Government agency to shut office

Workers at the Rural Payments Agency in Northallerton have been told the department is being relocated as part of Government cost-cutting moves and the operation in the town will close.

More than 350 staff will be affected. Workers will be offered jobs at sites in York or Newcastle, officials said.

The agency helps to make Common Agricultural Policy support payments, traces livestock and carries out inspections.

An agency spokesman said the move was not about job losses and it would do everything possible to “ensure a smooth transition” once the Northallerton branch in Alverton Close is closed.

The spokesman told the Yorkshire Post: “We appreciate the decision to leave Alverton Court is disappointing to many of our people.

“However, we will do everything possible to ensure a smooth transition for everyone and would stress that this is not about job losses and that we will continue to deliver the same level of service to our customers.

“This decision has not been made lightly and we are working hard to provide as much clarity and certainty to those impacted. “All our people who are prepared to work flexibly have been guaranteed a job and all posts will remain in the region.

“Over the coming weeks our priority will be to engage directly with all those affected.”