Council staff's pay slashed

The proposals, which also set out a reduction in annual leave, changes to incremental rises and employees working an hour less a week, were rubber stamped this afternoon.

The move has prompted unions to ballot members to reject the proposals.

Chairman of the council’s employee relations committee, councillor Craig Sahman, described the cuts as a “necessity” and said that the move had been forced upon the council.

He added: “The Government-imposed cuts of £71 million are the worst in years and have had a disproportionate hit on Doncaster compared to other local authorities across the country.

"As a committee we recognise and share the pain associated with the recommendations. “However, sadly it is not a choice, but rather a necessity, that the council is being forced to manage such a disgraceful cut to our spending.”

The changes to workers’ terms and conditions, including the pay cut, will affect around 7,000 staff.

Workers who are paid up to £15,000, along with staff at schools, will not be affected.

Cllr Sahman added: “Staffing is the biggest cost to any local authority and it is our elected duty to make sure we balance the budget during what are incredibly tough times.

“While we wish we didn’t have to make such a difficult decision, we regard supporting this proposal as the best way in limiting further impact on staff, jobs and front line services as much as we can.”

Cllr Sahman said that a separate review would be carried out into the salaries of chief officers.

He added: “I have requested that a report is brought back to the committee to ensure those who are paid the most shoulder the greatest burden.

“I’d like to commend and thank officers and unions who have worked tirelessly to reach this final set of recommendations and we now await the outcome of the balloting process.”