Proposals by Leeds City Council to cut hundreds of jobs would leave the city and its communities significantly worse off, UNISON says today (Wednesday).
The council is planning to lose the equivalent of 750 full time positions as part of proposals to balance its budget for 2024/25.
The plans also suggest closing or altering the use of care homes, increasing fees and charges for adult social care, and reviewing council-managed children’s centres.
The cuts are an attempt to address a budget shortfall. Recent UNISON research found Leeds City Council faces a funding gap of £59.2m for 2024/25.
The proposals will be considered at an executive board meeting of senior councillors next Wednesday (13 December).
UNISON says the people of Leeds will suffer if the cuts go ahead.
UNISON Yorkshire and Humberside regional organiser Brendan Cafferty said: “This news is bitterly disappointing for staff who now face a Christmas of stress and uncertainty – but it’s also incredibly worrying for the people of Leeds.
“These cuts mean some people will lose their jobs, and others who rely on council services will see the support on offer change dramatically.
“Leeds City Council is under massive financial pressure after 13 years of cuts from the government, but it shouldn’t be loyal staff and the people of Leeds who pay the price for that.”
UNISON Leeds local government branch secretary Martyn Walker said: “These proposed cuts will affect some of the most vulnerable people in Leeds – there’s simply no getting away from that.
“The plans will no doubt heap more pressure on workers to pick up the slack. But staff are already working at maximum capacity, and cannot take on more work.
“The council is under serious pressure to save money, but it must find another way to do so.”
UNISON Leeds local government assistant branch secretary Mick Binks said: “What we’re seeing in Leeds is a reflection of what’s happening at local councils across Yorkshire, and the wider country.
“This is yet another example of government cuts having a huge impact on local communities. It’s national cuts, with local councils having to pick up the pieces. The people of Leeds deserve better.”
