East Renfrewshire Council could cut 200 of its 4,750 staff over the next two years. The council has asked staff to inquire about voluntary redundancy, and it will also consider applications from staff to cut the number of hours they work. Chief executive, Lorraine McMillan, said: ‘We expect to be affected by ongoing budget pressures over the coming years, while we are continuing with our established efficiency drive.' The news came as culture and sport staff at Glasgow City Council were told of a pay freeze. Chief executive, Bridget McConnell, told staff in an e-mail they would receive the 2.5% rise for this year, but pay levels would be frozen for 2010-11. She blamed the ‘economic crisis'.
