STAFF who work for the DVLA in Bristol have been told that their jobs are under threat.

The Government has announced that it is axing 39 regional offices as part of a move to save £28 million.

As a result, the work that is currently being carried out by the DVLA office in Lime Kiln Close in Stoke Gifford, where 29 people work, is being moved to Swansea.

The proposal was said by the Government to be part of plans to make dealing with the DVLA easier.

But Labour said the timing of the announcement, just before Christmas was "insensitive", while the Public and Commercial Services Union said the news was "devastating for staff".

The 39 offices are expected to close by the end of 2013, Roads Minister Mike Penning said, with a total of 1,200 jobs under threat nationally.

Mr Penning said: "This is a major step change which will make dealing with the DVLA easier and quicker for motorists and businesses up and down the country.

"Centralising the DVLA's services is the first crucial step towards making more of its transactions available online, allowing people to deal with the DVLA at their chosen time and place. This will mean quicker turnarounds and meet our customers' growing needs."

But PCS general secretary Mark Serwotka said: "With unemployment and inflation remaining high, these cuts to local communities are outrageous and unnecessary, and will further weaken economies crying out for investment."