259 jobs go in council cutbacks

COUNCIL chiefs have announced the latest round of redundancies as they axe jobs to tackle a £17.3 million budget blackhole.

The 259 posts are being lost as part of the major restructuring of Oldham Council.

The figure includes 121 staff taking voluntary redundancy or early release to save £3,922,485 per year.

In addition, 114 vacant posts will not be filled after being reviewed — saving another £2,280,000.

The number of compulsory redundancies currently being made is 24.

The council is in the process of finalising the new structure, so some staff remain at risk of redundancy.

It was initially feared that 850 posts would go but savings were identified to reduce the number. The council has previously predicted that 488 will go in 2009-10, with a further 56 jobs being culled between 2010 and 2012.

Chief executive Charlie Parker said: “While recognising that the restructure is necessary, councillors asked us to ensure we strike the right balance between ensuring the council has a sound financial basis which delivers value for money and minimising the number of compulsory redundancies.

“We understand that staff who remain at risk of redundancy are keen to find out what the future holds.

“We are working towards finalising the structure, and therefore the number of staff who will remain with the organisation, as soon as we can.”

Council leader, Councillor Howard Sykes, said: “Of course we regret any redundancies, but the council has worked towards the need to avoid as many compulsory redundancies as possible.’