300 jobs to be axed at Rotherham Council

UP to 300 staff at Rotherham Borough Council could lose their jobs next year as part of a plan to save more than £20 million, officials have confirmed.

Around 180 staff who work in adult social care, around 30 from children's departments and 90 from other areas of the council could be out of work next year.

Just 130 of the 300 jobs would be lost through staff taking voluntary redundancy.

Cllr Saghir Alam, the council’s advisory cabinet member for corporate services and budgeting, said: "Like all local authorities we are in a difficult financial position, with further cuts announced across the board by Government.

"We expect to have to save in excess of £20 million next year, and inevitably these savings will mean reductions in staff. About 130 staff have chosen to take voluntary redundancy in this budget round.

"Our first concern is to minimise the damage to services to the public, but we will of course continue to look at options to reduce the impact on staff – but clearly many difficult decisions need to be made to make the savings we need to.

"If necessary, any changes to terms and conditions of employment will be carried out in full consultation with staff."