PLANS have been revealed to axe Government offices in a Hampshire town.

The benefit processing centre in Totton is due to close as part of a nationwide cost-cutting drive that is expected to result in the loss of 2,400 posts.

The Government says residents seeking help with jobs and benefits will not be hit by the move.

Unlike the Jobcentre Plus centres in Hythe and Southampton the building houses “back office” staff who perform a behind-the-scenes role.

The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has vowed to offer them posts elsewhere in the organisation.

But Julian Lewis, Tory MP for New Forest East, fears that jobs could be at risk.

“I would be very concerned if I have constituents who are now facing redundancy. Hopefully they will be found other posts, preferably within commuting distance,” he said.

The DWP declined to say how many people worked in the building.