Land Registry to axe 800 jobs as homes market falls

The organisation already aims to cut around 1,500 jobs to 5,000 by the end of 2011 but said staff would fall further to 4,200 in the three years to 2014 through voluntary redundancies.

The Land Registry however saved 500 staff from compulsory redundancy after rowing back on its previously announced programme of office closures.

It originally intended to close five offices but bases in Peterborough and Croydon, south London, will now remain open.

The number of clerical staff performing operational roles will be cut by 150 posts by June next year, fewer than the 400 posts originally proposed.

The Land Registry however stuck by plans to close offices in Stevenage and Tunbridge Wells by June 2011. Its Portsmouth office will relocate to the city council's offices before shutting in 2013.

It also confirmed plans to outsource operations including information technology support and facilities management.