UK revenue staff sacked for racist tampering of tax benefits

LONDON - Seven revenue and customs staff have been sacked recently for racially-motivated tampering of tax benefits due to ethnic minorities.

The workers were accused of altering computer records, which meant the victims, who were living in various parts of the UK, were paid less money than they were entitled to.

The underpayments related to child tax credit and working tax credit. It is understood that nine men were suspended once the investigation started, but two quit immediately. All live in Northern Ireland.

The sackings followed an internal investigation into allegations of racially motivated conduct going back to the second half of last year.

According to The Telegraph, the probe started in January when a complaint was lodged by somebody who claimed that their records had been changed.

A detailed audit was carried out and the inquiry then widened to take in another 16 cases.

Dave Hartnett, permanent secretary for tax at HM Revenue and Customs, said the department operates a zero-tolerance policy on racial discrimination. (ANI)