OXFAM has announced it will be cutting up to 125 jobs and closing UK regional offices.

This will include “reform” of major departments at its headquarters in Cowley, Oxford. The charity said it wants to focus more of its work in the poorest countries.

Mark Goldring, who became Oxfam’s chief executive officer in May this year said “advances in technology” meant the charity no longer needed “as much support” in its head office.

He 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."

The changes will be implemented in two stages.

First of all the charity plans to “reform” its human resources, finance, business support and campaigns and policy departments in Oxford.

Then, from 2015, it will begin to make changes to its international programmes.