Council disputes job loss claims

Union predictions of 200 job losses at Leicester City Council have been called "irresponsible" by managers.

Unison made the claim ahead of a protest by council staff over predicted redundancies outside the town hall.

The demonstration has been timed to coincide with the authority's annual budget-setting meeting later.

But council leader, Ross Willmott, insisted the cuts were likely to be about 56 and were needed to save about �6m, while supporting investment.

I have never seen in all my time a union official act so irresponsibly Ross Willmott, Leicester City Council leader

It also said if the council stopped hiring expensive agency staff no one would have to lose their jobs.

But Unison spokesman Gary Garner said a closer examination of the plans showed the impact was even greater.

"The hidden bit is the transfer of services to the private sector and arm's length management organisations, such as those with the elderly persons' homes and Private Finance Initiatives to rebuild bungalows in the New Parks area.

He added: "Morale is very low, members are angry. Some of the other things they are unhappy about is the 10% rise in home care charges, the redistribution of Lunch Club funding, the reduction of staff working with people with learning difficulties and of course the massive bill on agency staff and consultants."

He said the union was "considering all its options".

But Mr Willmott dismissed the claims. saying: "I have never seen in all my time a union official act so irresponsibly, saying there are 200 jobs at risk.

"I have had conversations with him, I have explained it to him, I have written to him and yet he still refuses to accept the facts.

"If the elderly persons homes do transfer, there will be no job losses, it is entirely wrong of him to say that. The jobs will stay there, they are guaranteed."

He added that many of the job losses could be made by not filling behind those leaving the council.

He also emphasised the budget proposals included almost �10m of investment to cater for a growing ageing population and helping under-performing schools.

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