Oxfam has today announced a restructure of its UK-based operations that will result in the loss of 125 UK jobs.

The reshape is part of a shift in Oxfam’s strategy, which includes focusing more of its resources on a smaller number of poorer countries.

Oxfam met financial difficulties this year, causing it to make an urgent appeal for Syria back in July after its income fell by over £17m. Oxfam’s total income in 2012/13 was £367.9m, down from £385.5m the year before.  

Its chief executive, Mark Goldring, only joined the organisation in May this year, after leaving Mencap as chief executive.

Commenting on Oxfam’s restructure, Goldring said: "It is imperative that we have an Oxfam which lives within its means and is relevant to 21st century needs. Advances in technology mean we no longer need as much support in head office. Instead our resources will be focused in the regions where we carry out the majority of our work.

"This will mean we can deliver the most effective and efficient support to the millions of people who go to sleep hungry each night."

Oxfam are implementing the changes in two stages. The first of these involves a reform of human resources, finance, business support and campaigns and policy at its Oxford-based headquarters.

Oxfam hopes the cutting of 125 posts and the closure of some English regional offices will enable it to balance its budget and, eventually, provide additional funds to invest in international programmes to prevent poverty. 

The second stage, which will see Oxfam making changes to its international programmes, is due to begin in 2015. The organisation aims to work closely with the 16 other Oxfams based around the world. Savings resulting from this restructure will be reinvested in enhanced programmes to help eradicate poverty.

On these planned changes, Oxfam’s human resources director, Jane Cotton, said: “This is the start of a consultation process with staff. We will make every effort to keep the number of redundancies to a minimum and where possible we will redeploy people and help colleagues find work elsewhere if this is not practical.”

Oxfam employs around 2000 people in the UK.

Oxfam claims the cuts to its UK-based operations will mean it can concentrate its abilities to share learning and influence governments and institutions in the areas of the world that need it most. It also wants to increase its focus on promoting the rights of underprivileged women.

The organisation also wants to strengthen its position as a global thought leader and become more efficient in supporting development and delivering aid in the areas of the world that need it most.

Last year the charity benefitted more than 13 million people in poorer countries.