More than 550 council employees in Dorset Council have been informed that their jobs are ‘at risk’ from the restructuring of local government in the area.

The county’s six councils are being reduced to just one in a move anticipated to save £5.5m in this financial year and £10m in a full financial year.

However, as part of this change, 561 employees in corporate service functions – some full time and some part time – have been told their jobs are ‘potentially at risk’.

These employees are from five areas of the council, including human resources, finance and IT.

Matt Prosser, Dorset Council’s chief executive, said that a 45 day consultation process is now underway.

‘We have worked closely with our trade unions on this process to date and will continue to work with them and our workforce, to support them at what is a challenging time,’ he added.