Local government leaders and trade union bosses have warned the Scottish Government's proposed reforms are creating uncertainty for the council workforce.
The Convention of Scottish Local Authorities and trade unions said questions about jobs, staff transfers and possible impacts on terms and conditions remain unanswered.
In a joint statement, they warned local government reform must not be ‘top down'.
The intervention comes after proposals from the Scottish Government for six to 10 regional authorities and 120 to 160 community authorities.
A Scottish Government spokesperson said: ‘Our proposals provide a starting point to facilitate debate during three months of dialogue with partners, including councils and trade unions, to inform the next steps. No decisions have been taken on future structures. Once formal reform proposals are developed, appropriate consultation will follow in the usual manner.'
