The office, based at the business park on the old college campus and employing about 30 people, is scheduled to close by spring 2010.

HMRC is looking at possible staff moves to either Leeds or York, but John Barrett, branch secretary of the Public and Commercial Services union, said few staff, if any, would be able to travel to those locations.

Speaking after the announcement, he said: "Today's news has been like a body blow.

"The decision consigns local tax offices and the locally based public services that tax workers provide to the scrap heap.

"Now, amidst the financial crisis, my members are left with an uncertain future and are fearing for their livelihood in the run up to Christmas."

Ripon is one of four Yorkshire tax offices that have been earmarked for closure.