"His Majesty's Revenue & Customs (HMRC) has seen its annual wage bill rise by £29.4 million over the past year, driven by an increase in senior-level employees, according to new research from the Global Payroll Alliance (GPA). The analysis shows that HMRC's core workforce grew by 3.6 per cent between August 2024 and August 2025, with full-time equivalent positions rising from 64,580 to 66,880. While much of the expansion was at mid-level grades, the most significant cost impact came from growth among higher-paid staff."
""An increase in HMRC's wage bill of £29.4 million in just one year is significant, particularly when much of that rise is attributed to growth in senior roles," she said. "While investment in people can be essential - especially for an organisation tasked with ensuring effective tax collection - it's important to ask whether this growth reflects a genuine strategic need or an over-reliance on expanding headcount.""
HMRC's core workforce grew 3.6% between August 2024 and August 2025, with full-time equivalent positions increasing from 64,580 to 66,880. Executive Officer roles rose 4.8%, reflecting recruitment for frontline operations and compliance. Grade 6 and Grade 7 numbers climbed 4.6%, and Senior Civil Service positions increased 3.8% year on year. Growth concentrated among higher-paid staff produced a disproportionate impact on payroll costs. The pay bill rose from £287.1 million to £316.6 million, a 10.3% increase, equivalent to a £29.4 million rise. Technology was cited as a potential avenue to reduce costs and streamline processes.
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