William Eichler 20 March 2025

UNISON: Reorganisation must not be ‘cover for job cuts’

UNISON: Reorganisation must not be ‘cover for job cuts’ image
Image: Richard Oldroyd / Shutterstock.com.

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.'

Why age alone shouldn’t define local government leadership image

Why age alone shouldn’t define local government leadership

Age should never define leadership in local government, says Graeme McDonald, Managing Director of Solace. Instead, councils should invest in inclusive, skills-based development for officers and councillors to deliver effective public services.
SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Head of Democratic Services, Elections & Monitoring Officer

Harborough District Council
Grade 12 £67,236 – £71,223 plus £3000pa Statutory Officer Allowance
We are looking for an accomplished and proactive leader for our vacant post of Head of Democratic Services & Elections Market Harborough, Leicestershire
Recuriter: Harborough District Council

Social Worker

Durham County Council
£35,412 - £39,152 (pre-progression) / £40,777 - £45,091 (post-progression)
We are looking for social workers who have completed the assessed and supported year in employment to join our Families First teams, working with our Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Social Worker

Durham County Council
Grade 9 £35,412 - £39,152 (Pre-Progression) / Grade 11 £40,777 - £45,091 (Post-Progression)
Are you a nurturing social worker passionate about supporting parents so that children can remain with their birth family?     This could be the right Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Administrative Officer

Durham County Council
Grade 4 £25,583 - £26,824
An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Administrative Officer to join our busy, friendly team, supporting Children and Young People’s Services. 1 x Spennymoor
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Lunchtime Play Worker

Durham County Council
£24,796 pro rata
Lunchtime Play Worker Grade 1 £24,796 pro rata Part Time - 6.25 hour per week, Monday – Friday
Recuriter: Durham County Council
Linkedin Banner