Mark Whitehead 04 December 2017

Government cuts force council to propose 50 redundancies

Blackpool Council could make up to 50 people redundant and lose a further 20 contract posts under spending plans for next year.

The proposals aim to make £5.5m savings which the council blames on Government funding cuts.

Staff are also being asked to take unpaid holidays to save £1m. The council said the final redundancy figure may be lower and is 'nowhere near' as many as in previous years.

Other councils have reportedly used unpaid leave as a way of saving money - last month Northamptonshire County Council ordered staff to take a day’s holiday without pay to save £2m a month.

Blackpool council leader Simon Blackburn said: 'This year we have tried to protect front line services, as much as we possibly can, by looking at new and creative ways of saving money and generating income.

'However, the difficult reality is that the budget proposals may result in a maximum of 50 redundancies with an additional 20 contract posts ending - although we expect the final figure to be lower.

'In addition, all employees will be asked once again to volunteer to take unpaid leave which will save approximately £1m a year.'

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Senior Engineer (Flood Management & Land Drainage)

Kirklees Metropolitan Council
£29,540 to £37,280
Kirklees Council is seeking an enthusiastic and motivated Senior Engineer to join our Flood Risk Management & Land Drainage Team. Huddersfield
Recuriter: Kirklees Metropolitan Council

Children's Social Workers - Family Help Service

London Borough of Richmond upon Thames and London Borough of Wandsworth
Up to £52,767 per annum (subject to experience) p