Town hall staff asked to take cut in wages or hours worked to save jobs

A number of "ideas" have been put to staff, which also include ceasing the current yearly increment they receive, not paying employees for the first three days they are sick and also reducing existing enhancements such as overtime.

Council bosses struggling to minimise the number of job losses created by the huge budget cuts imposed by the coalition Government are currently holding a series of "roadshows" with employees to discuss ways to save money.

However, Ray Oldroyd, from the Barnsley branch of the Unison trade union, said members were "very clear in their rejection" of the plans and added that Unison representatives would be meeting with Barnsley Council bosses today to discuss the proposals.

Bob Williams, head of corporate communications at Barnsley Council, said: "The leader and chief executive are currently hosting a series of roadshows with employees. During these meetings the issues of terms and conditions is being discussed and a view given by those attending.

"At the moment it is nothing more than that."

In July this year Barnsley Council chief executive Phil Coppard told the Yorkshire Post that Barnsley would be a "desolate place" as a result of the proposed budget cut.

It was also announced yesterday that the authority would be closing four of its "Barnsley Connects" payment offices on March 31 next year to cut costs.

The counters in Wombwell Town Hall, Laithes Lane in Athersley, Hoyland Town Hall Penistone Town Hall are being shut and people will no longer be able to use them to pay for things such as Council Tax and housing rents.

A spokesman for Barnsley Council said: "Due to the financial challenges Barnsley Council is faced with, all services are being reviewed to see if they can be streamlined."