6 Months of HMRC Strikes in the North East Are Over — But the Fallout Isn’t!

A Six-Month Strike Ends — But the Dispute Lives On

If you’ve tried (and failed) to get through to HMRC’s employer or CIS helplines over the past few months, you’re not alone. The reason? A long-running industrial dispute at the Benton Park View HMRC office just outside Newcastle — one of the largest government sites in the UK.

From December 2024 to June 2025, several hundred staff — many of them handling employer and construction industry queries — went on strike. At the heart of the protest were three PCS union reps dismissed by HMRC, a move the union says was due to their trade union activity.

The result? Delays, backlogs, and frustration for employers, accountants, and construction businesses across the North East and beyond.

What This Meant for Durham and North East Businesses

The strike’s impact was felt far beyond the Newcastle office:

Employer helplines were overwhelmed, with some callers facing hours-long waits or no response at all

Delays in CIS (Construction Industry Scheme) support may have slowed payments or created compliance headaches

Many local business owners and agents were left in the dark with urgent queries unresolved

If you’re based in Durham, Sunderland, Newcastle, or the surrounding area, chances are you’ve experienced at least some disruption — especially if you rely on HMRC’s helpline services to manage payroll, tax queries or CIS returns.

Strike Over — But No Resolution in Sight

Although the strike officially ended on 6 June, HMRC has refused to reinstate the three sacked union reps, leaving the Public and Commercial Services (PCS) union considering its next steps.

PCS general secretary Fran Heathcote praised members for their six-month effort but confirmed the campaign is far from over:

"PCS remains open to talks with the employer... but it is regrettable that they have not tried to find a settlement.”

This suggests the dispute could reignite, or continue in other forms — potentially creating future uncertainty for HMRC service delivery.

HMRC’s Response

HMRC has stayed mostly silent on the matter, citing standard policy on ongoing employment issues. A spokesperson simply stated:

“We always aim to work constructively with our trade unions to support our people and deliver an effective service for our customers.”

Meanwhile, a notice on HMRC’s website confirmed the strike had ended and removed references to the industrial action, which lasted from 23 December 2024 to 6 June 2025.

What North East Business Owners Should Do Now

Whether you're a sole trader in Durham or running a construction firm in Gateshead, here’s what you can do to stay ahead:

✅ Use your accountant to avoid helpline delays — we can often resolve issues through agent channels faster than calling directly.

📆 Plan ahead for deadlines — don’t leave submissions to the last minute in case of further HMRC disruption.

📞 Check online before calling — many issues can be resolved via your HMRC online account or through your agent.

At The Tax Faculty, based right here in Durham, we’ve helped dozens of clients navigate HMRC confusion during this strike period. If you’ve been struggling to get answers, missed a filing deadline, or just want proactive support, get in touch.

Let’s keep your business moving — no matter what’s happening behind the scenes at HMRC.

Schedule a free consultation with The Tax Faculty today to see how our local team can offer you and your business a bespoke professional financial service that meets your needs.