The abolition of district councils as part of local government reorganisation (LRG) puts thousands of frontline jobs at risk, says UNISON.
The trade union also warned that workers pay deals could be in ‘jeopardy’ if they are transferred to work for new authorities during the overhaul of local government.
UNISON general secretary Christina McAnea urged the Government to ensure reorganisation does not lead to redundancies and that wages, pensions and benefits are protected.
‘Local government reorganisation cannot be used as a convenient cover for job cuts,’ she said.
McAnea added that job cuts would result in local communities losing the expertise that ensures authorities can support residents.
‘It would be a travesty if crucial public services are shut down, outsourced or sold off in pursuit of further savings across a sector that's already suffered savage cuts for many years.’
A Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government spokesperson said: 'We are clear that under employment laws, council workers will not be compelled to leave their jobs because of reforms to local government structures.
'Under our reforms to local government structures, council workers will be transferred to new organisations and are covered by protections under long-standing employment law. We will be engaging closely with trade unions to manage this process.'
