Asked by: Liz Twist (Labour - Blaydon and Consett)
Question to the HM Treasury:
To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what steps his Department is taking to help ensure that all complaints of racism and discriminatory behaviour by HMRC officers are investigated; and if he will make a statement.
Answered by Victoria Atkins - Shadow Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
Bullying, harassment, and discrimination of any kind, including racial discrimination, has no place whatsoever at HMRC. The wellbeing of all staff is a top priority, and HMRC does not tolerate any behaviour that makes staff, or taxpayers, feel uncomfortable. HMRC has policies which cover what action individuals can take if they experience discrimination within the workplace, and has developed comprehensive guidance on how to raise a concern. All concerns are investigated in accordance with the Civil Service investigation standards. HMRC has introduced a number of services to ensure staff can speak up if they see, hear, or experience anything that gives them a cause for concern. It has also introduced steps to ensure that complaints are investigated impartially with the decision taken by an independent decision manager with full support from expert HR advisers.
Asked by: Liz Twist (Labour - Blaydon and Consett)
Question to the HM Treasury:
To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, how long it takes to be trained as an authorised officer of HMRC with the power of arrest.
Answered by Victoria Atkins - Shadow Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
Within HMRC, only authorised officers in the Fraud Investigation Service have the power of arrest. These officers receive extensive training in HMRC’s criminal investigation powers, procedures, and safeguards, including the power of arrest. This training takes 69.5 weeks and is a combination of taught class room training and assessed practical training and is accredited by the University of Northumbria.Asked by: Liz Twist (Labour - Blaydon and Consett)
Question to the HM Treasury:
To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what the average (a) level of experience and (b) salary is of a Grade 7 HMRC officer; and whether a trainee would be ranked as Grade 7.
Answered by Victoria Atkins - Shadow Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
HMRC are unable to answer the question on the average level of experience of a Grade 7 (G7) HMRC Officer. There are several thousand G7 officers in HMRC each of whom have their own unique career history. In total, the group covers over 27 professions and a significant number of different role types. Each individual will retain their own career history, including experience and qualifications which will be discussed with their manager. In view of the significant variances in experience and roles, no central record is retained.
For similar reasons, HMRC are unable to answer the question on whether a trainee would be ranked as a G7 as in some roles and professions it would and others not. It can take anywhere from 3 years for fast-track training roles or up to 20 years plus for average career progression from junior entry grade.
Below is a table showing both the National and London pay ranges for a HMRC G7:
2022 Grade 7 Pay Ranges - 01 June 2022
Grade | National | National | London | London |
Grade 7 (7) | £52,598 | £59,294 | £59,182 | £66,712 |
Asked by: Liz Twist (Labour - Blaydon and Consett)
Question to the HM Treasury:
To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, whether HMRC officers are trained in respect on the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 including on data protection.
Answered by Richard Fuller - Shadow Chief Secretary to the Treasury
All HMRC officers are required to complete mandatory training on data protection, which includes topics such as data retention, the need for a legal basis for personal data processing, and the need to be aware of other relevant legislation.
HMRC does not mandate specific training on the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 but officers are able to access training on other areas according to need.