Staff receive redundancy warnings

Unison say the cuts would have a real impact on the city

Nottingham City Council has sent letters to its 8,000 strong workforce to let them know whether or not they are at risk of redundancy.

Eleven hundred workers have been told they are in a pool of people who could be made laid off.

The authority plans to cut 350 posts to make up a �20m deficit.

Union leaders criticised the way staff were told but the council said a letter and a meeting with a manager is the best way of handling the situation.

A council spokesperson also said the authority was trying to minimise the impact on frontline services.

I don't think the council are treating the staff even remotely fairly

Gary Ward, Unison

Adrian Picton, a social worker from the Denewood Centre, said: "I thought the council recognised the vital service that we provide to vulnerable service users so it was a shock to receive a letter saying I'm in a pool of people at risk of redundancy."

It has emerged that a children's home could close as part of the savings drive.

Council leader Jon Collins said: "We will be consulting over the closure of one of our children's homes.

"What I would say is that over the next three years we are looking to spend an additional �10m on children's services and child protection."

There are also plans to reduce opening hours at Nottingham Castle, Newstead Abbey and parts of Wollaton Hall as part of the cost-cutting plans.

Two libraries and three daycare centres could close as part of the proposals.

Gary Ward from the union Unison said: "I don't think the council are treating the staff even remotely fairly. I think what they're doing is showing no compassion whatsoever.

"The feedback we have is that staff are anxious and concerned about what is around the corner."