Thousands of council jobs could be at risk

Tens of thousands of council jobs in England could be at risk over the next five years as local authorities struggle with the fall-out from the recession, according to a survey published today.

The survey by BBC English Regions suggested that almost one in ten of the workforce in some councils could be vulnerable as authorities are forced to cut back.

It found that of the 49 councils which were prepared to answer questions about possible job cuts, they were estimating losses of 25,000 over the next three to five years out of a total combined workforce of 256,000.

Eight authorities – Kirklees, Leeds, City of Bradford, Sheffield, Stoke-on-Trent, Nottinghamshire, Lincolnshire and Surrey – said 1,000 or more posts might have to go within five years.

The Local Government Association (LGA) said that councils had been hit by a “perfect storm” and had little choice but to shed jobs.

“Sources of income have dropped sharply at a time when more and more people are turning to councils to help them through tough times,” said LGA chairman Dame Margaret Eaton.

read more at http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/thousands-of-council-jobs-could-be-at-risk-1913828.html