HMRC industrial action extended to 14 March

In a story on 13 January 2025, we highlighted planned industrial action by HMRC staff which at that point was expected to end later this week on Friday 14 February 2025. HMRC has recently contacted us to advise that this action, which affects the Employer Helpline and Construction Industry Scheme helplines, has been extended to 14 March 2025.

The full email from HMRC reads as follows:

“In December we notified you about industrial action affecting the Employer Helpline and Construction Industry Scheme (CIS) helplines. This has been extended to 14 March.

We have robust plans in place to ensure we continue delivering critical services. 

HMRC Employer Services phonelines and webchat will be open 8am-6pm as usual but customers may experience longer wait times. We recognise that this is inconvenient for customers and agents who need direct support.  

The lines affected are: 

• Employer Helpline (EHL)  

• Construction Industry Scheme (CIS) Helpline  

There are no expected impacts on other services. We will keep the opening hours and service levels under review, and we will update you in advance of any changes.  

We are updating GOV.UK and the recorded message that customers hear when calling the helpline. This tells them about the industrial action, the increased wait times and encourages customers to use our digital services.

We strongly encourage customers to use our digital services rather than waiting to speak to us on the phone. Some of the main topics customers call these helplines about, which they can do online are:

• Get a quick answer to queries using the digital assistant 

• Check the status of your CIS refund in the ‘Where’s My Reply’ tool – only call us if the date has passed  

• Check your balance in the Business Tax Account  
• For technical support with online services use the

For technical support with online services use the Online Services Helpdesk.”