Council staff jobs threat

More than one thousand North Lanarkshire Council staff face an uncertain future.

North Lanarkshire Council will today (Wednesday) discuss the initial block of cuts as it attempts to save £45 million.

It is estimated that around 1100 jobs with the local authority will be phased out over the next two years.

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Today councillors will discuss a report on ways to save money as the council faces a budget gap of more than £68 million. They will be asked to approve more than £22 million in savings already identified and approve a consultation in November on further cuts.

Council leader Jim McCabe blamed reduced funding from the Scottish Government, which has had its own resources cut by Westminster, and a freeze on council tax for this financial pressure.

He added: “Over the last few months we have been working hard to look at options for saving the £45 million we are required by law to make.”

John Young, UNISON steward at North Lanarkshire, said: “This is devastating for everyone living in North Lanarkshire and once again it is the low paid and vulnerable, including children, elderly and disabled people who will be the worst affected.

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North Lanarkshire Council are proposing to cut ten per cent of the workforce which will cause chaos in our vital public services; £26 million will be cut from the local economy, and jobs are under threat of privatisation.”