GOVERNMENT offices in a Hampshire town are being axed as part of a national cost-cutting drive that could result in the loss of 2,400 posts.

The benefit-processing centre in Totton is expected to shut within the next 12 months.

However, the Department for Work and Pensions says unemployed people seeking help will not be hit by the closures.

A spokesman said: "Frontline Jobcentre Plus services aren't impacted by this.

"We have made sure that all the staff affected have the option of moving elsewhere in the organisation."

Defending the cut-backs the spokesman added: "We can't afford to carry on paying for buildings that aren't fully used.

"In tough financial times we have to operate as efficiently as possible."

However, the closures have come under fire from the Public and Commercial Services (PCS) union.

Describing the cut-backs as "dangerous and deeply flawed" PCS general secretary Mark Sewotka said they would lead to further delays in processing claims.