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Local government could lose one-quarter of its staff – or 272,000 posts – if councils rely on redundancies to deal with the cuts in the Comprehensive Spending Review, the head of Local Government Employers has claimed. Writing in The MJ this week, managing director of Local Government Employers, Jan Parkinson, writes: ‘Finding the cuts entirely through job losses would mean losing about 272,000 jobs in total – the best part of one-quarter of the workforce. This would put many services at high risk.' Her comments come as councils are starting to show signs of looking at the pay bill in a bid to meet the demand of the cuts expected in the autumn spending round. Last week, Nottinghamshire CC announced it could lose up to 3,000 staff in the next three years out of a 12,000-strong workforce, while neighbouring Derbyshire CC could lose a further 1,000 posts. Nottinghamshire has claimed the move is part of its plans to slash £150m off its annual budget of £484m. It has written to all staff asking for volunteers for redundancy, but has not ruled out compulsory redundancies. Also writing in The MJ this week, Nottinghamshire chief executive, Mick Burrows, said: ‘We have been honest with our residents and employees alike. We are committed to providing good public services, within our limited financial constraints, but some non-statutory services will have to go. ‘The council will not be able to make all of the savings we need from ‘efficiencies' or reducing the numbers of managers or administrators we employ. A more radical solution is required.' A memo leaked to the local press in Derbyshire has revealed the council fears it could lose its staff after the Comprehensive Spending Review. However, cabinet member for finance, John Harrison, claimed it was speculation in advance of possible budget cuts, and nothing had been decided yet. Last month, Derby City Council announced it would shed 750 posts.

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WHITEHALL

Quarter of staff could go if cuts rely on job losses

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