News / Politics
City Council to cut 1,000 jobs
On the day that council bosses reveal that up 1,000 jobs need to be cut, “more tough choices” are still ahead according to mayor Marvin Rees’ head of finance.
The reduction of full-time roles – the equivalent of some 17 per cent of the council workforce – is part of an attempt to save £29 million this year.
Council staff were told the bad news on Monday morning, with a voluntary severance scheme on offer for anyone prepared to leave their roles of their own accord.
Rees said: “I have inherited a huge financial challenge which is proving bigger than we knew even a month or two ago.
“We continue to make savings in many ways, but we cannot close the gap without reducing the number of jobs at the council.”
Cabinet member for finance and governance Craig Cheney added: “Today marks the first really tough choice which has to be made given the financial position we inherited following years of burdens being placed on local government by the austerity measures of central government.
“Sadly there will be more tough choices ahead and we will continue to involve the city in meaningful discussion about how we face these challenges.”
Any staff leaving the council voluntarily will finish work by the end of September. Further plans for the council’s budget will be published in the autumn.
Video: Marvin Rees on his 100 days in office
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