AN MP is seeking reassurances over the future of 120 government jobs in Accrington ahead of potential cuts.

Staff at the Eastgate tax office are facing the possibility of losing their jobs if the office is classed as inefficient during the summer consultation.

But there are also concerns that some HM Revenue and Customs workers could be made redundant before the review has taken place in order to facilitate the closure of the office, which pays out tax credits and child benefits.

Hyndburn MP Greg Pope has been contacted by worried members of staff asking for his help. He has now appealed to Chancellor of the Exchequer Gordon Brown to ensure that staff retain their jobs until the assessment has been carried out.

Mr Pope said: "I am very concerned on behalf of both the staff who do such an excellent job and the public who use the office.

"Accrington is one of the best performing HMRC offices in the country. It has some excellent business results and I certainly don't want to lose it or any of the jobs."

The review will look at the use of buildings and location of staff nationwide following the creation of the HMRC department from the former Inland Revenue and Customs and Excise departments. As part of a drive to save £30m by 2008, 12,500 jobs will be cut nationally.

Staff at the Nelson office have been told that they will be relocated to other centres when the building lease runs out, and 50 workers at the Burnley office face being moved to Shipley, Leeds or Bradford.

If the Accrington branch is seen as excessive, staff could find themselves relocated to an office in Preston.

Mr Pope added: "This would not be a good option for staff or customers, who should be able to carry out their business locally and in person rather than having to travel long distances or wait on the telephone."

Mr Pope is hoping to receive a response from Mr Brown in the next two weeks.

A spokesman for the Public and Commercial Services Union said: "There are real fears not just now but for the future in terms of staff livelihoods and the level of service that is provided in Accrington."

A spokesman for service said: "The future of the Accrington office will be determined by the findings of the review. Nothing is certain yet."