HMRC sacks more than 170 civil servants for gross misconduct as dismissals reach five-year-high

Gross misconduct, which can warrant instant dismissal at HMRC, includes behaviours like bullying, theft, intoxication, and damage to company property.

At the department, it may also involve the unlawful disclosure of sensitive taxpayer information or fraud using company systems.

The 179 workers fired for gross misconduct in 2024 account for over half of all 321 dismissals at HMRC, according to figures obtained by The Telegraph through a Freedom of Information request.

In contrast, only 28 per cent of sackings in 2020 were for gross misconduct.

Asked about the jump in dismissals, Steve Sweetlove from accountancy firm RSM said: "On the face of it, an uptick in dismissals for gross misconduct could be seen as a troubling trend - but it may highlight that a firmer stance is being taken by HMRC in staff disciplinary matters."

He added: "Given the vital role HMRC staff play in dealing with taxpayer data and collecting revenues for the government, cases of gross negligence can represent a really serious issue so it's important that appropriate action is taken where necessary."

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Sweetlove also noted the importance of proper training for new recruits, with HMRC set to receive more funding to expand its workforce - which stands at more than 65,000 staff.

One case of gross misconduct in the department has made headlines - Tracy Ashbridge, an HMRC tax office worker, was jailed for two years and four months for defrauding taxpayers out of £300,000 in child benefit.

Ashbridge had falsely claimed three of her children were disabled and submitted fraudulent tax credit claims for 15 children.

She misused her access to HMRC's computer system, exploiting details of members of the public to facilitate her fraudulent activities.

Her case goes some way to illustrate why HMRC may be taking a firmer stance on disciplinary matters - as suggested by the increase in dismissals.

The rise comes as HMRC faces criticism for poor customer service - its tax office answered only 66 per cent of customer calls last year, falling short of its 85 per cent target and down from 71 per cent in 2022-23.

The Public Accounts Committee recently concluded that HMRC's service levels were at an "all-time low" thanks to an "unprecedented" number of complaints about its performance.

An HMRC spokesman responded to the misconduct issues, stating: "All large organisations will face occasional issues with staff behaviour, and we take all allegations seriously to ensure we work in an inclusive environment that is friendly, tolerant and respectful."

The spokesman added that all employees must follow the HMRC code of conduct and civil service code, with breaches potentially resulting in dismissal.