A UNION has hit out at HM Revenue and Customs after it sacked temporary clerical workers by computer message.

The workers, based at the Waterview Park offices, in Washington, Wearside, were brought in on short-term contracts to help tackle problems with the administration of tax credits, which include overpayments totalling £1.8bn.

Some of the 290 workers learnt on Friday night as they started work that their jobs were coming to an end.

A message outlining the cuts was sent to 90,000 workers nationally through the HM Revenue and Customs Intranet at 9am, but some of those affected first heard of the plan when they logged on their computers.

A spokesman for the PCS union said: "It is safe to say that we are far from happy. It is a disgraceful way to treat employees, be they on short-term contracts or permanent workers.

"The department should be looking at hiring staff, not firing them. We will be raising this nationally.''

A Revenue and Customs spokeswoman said: "All efforts were made to ensure that staff were given the information, in person by their line managers before the start of their shift."

Most were informed this way but a small number heard from colleagues or saw the e-mail. The spokeswoman said: "We regret any stress or upset caused to this small number of staff.

"However, it has always been made clear that these contracts were temporary and due to end in September."