CIVIL service union PCS pledged to fight for a properly staffed Cabinet Office after it was announced that the department expects to slash its workforce by a third.

About 1,200 jobs are set to get the axe under the plans, while another 900 are expected to be transferred to other departments.

The Cabinet Office currently employs approximately 6,500 “core staff” who play a key role in co-ordinating government efforts and serve at the strategic heart of Whitehall.