Birmingham City Council's chief executive has apologised to staff for the stress they are under because of public sector spending cuts.
Stephen Hughes said in a 1,200 word memo to staff he 'hasn't paid enough attention to the hurt you are all feeling'.
'I do understand how difficult it is for all staff at present,' said Mr Hughes. 'The financial situation that the council and local government faces has forced changes none of us would have wanted.'
Mr Hughes told staff it is 'not your fault that the country faces such problems, and it's unfair that you are paying the consequences of other people's actions'.
He said he was personally sorry about the situation and recognised that he needs to do more.
'It looks like we will be facing a third year of pay freezes, except for incremental progression,' said Mr Hughes. 'Many of you are involved in organisation change, where there are anxieties about whether or not you will have a job.
'We are all being put under pressure to work harder in order that services are not being adversely affected.'
