Managers in firing line over job cuts

According to the unions, more than 100 staff including those in planning and business support at Hull Council as well as managers have been told they may lose their jobs as a result of proposals to save about £1m.

Labour councillors have been discussing a senior management restructure, but have not yet agreed a plan.

Deputy council leader Daren Hale said: “These letters have not been circulated with the agreement of the cabinet or the opposition parties on Hull Council.

“It is fair to say we are extremely unhappy.”

Union representatives were angered by the “belligerent” approach taken by managers and complained they had ignored a recently agreed industrial relations framework. The council shed 1,000 jobs last year.

Staff side secretary of local government trade unions in Hull Adrian Kennett said: “This is protecting extremely well-paid senior officers, it looks like, at the expense of some of our more low-paid frontline workers.”

Hull Council said there were inaccuracies in the unions’ statement, but refused to give details. It said: “At this stage the authority is in a consultation process in line with legislation and its own policies and procedures, and therefore it is not appropriate to comment further.