On Monday, Credit Suisse launched its global inequality report. The top line suggested that the richest 1 per cent now own over half the worlds wealth.

Economists and NGOs concur that the surest means of combating inequality is through progressive taxation, fair pay, collective bargaining and access to excellent public services. It is thus fitting that the Public and Commercial Services Union chose this week for its national action.

PCS estimates that £120 billion of tax is evaded or avoided each year. It has also been at the forefront of the struggle to protect services, pay and conditions.

As I joined the picket at Ty Glas Tax Office, Marianne  Owen, PCS NEC, explained: “We have been taking action for the past five years. Since the coalition came to power, our pay has been cut by a fifth. Pensions are under constant attack. Services are being degraded in preparation for privatisation.

“Management said that they would never close a tax office with a front- facing enquiry centre. True to their word, they have closed the enquiry centres and are now looking to take out those same offices.”

Significantly, front-facing tax offices provide an invaluable service for the elderly, digitally excluded, migrant workers and the otherwise vulnerable. Staff now frequently encounter confused and agitated people seeking to file returns. There has been violence on site.

In terms of pay cuts, mother of two Caz explained how she had been doubly hit. Given that her husband is also a civil servant, since 2010 they have suffered a £6,000 drop in real income at the same moment that tax credits were discontinued.

“This is nothing special — a colleague was recently offered extra hours if she changed departments. However, she had to refuse as in doing so, she would have lost her personal allowance and housing benefit.”

Richard added: “The Civil Service has become a low-wage employer to the extent that the government has to subsidise the pay of our members.”

It is perhaps ironic that the HMRC demands such a high level of financial probity from its employees. 

While on the picket at least two members complained that they had no option but to cross given the choice between striking and eating — both, however, turned back when told about the PCS hardship fund. 

There is room for hope. As three senior managers emerged to brave the drizzle and staff, Owen explained how union action had secured significant successes: “We have stopped privatisation in the Land Registry and fought to preserve shared pension protection for Ministry of Justice staff. Most recently, we forced HMRC to find 2,000 fixed-term workers permanent positions within the service.”

IMF chief Christine Lagarde and Bank of England governor Mark Carney might very well cry crocodile tears and raise their voices against the scourge of inequality. 

If they are truly serious about redressing the widening gap, they could do worse than to join an HMRC picket and show a little solidarity to the real fighters!