300 jobs could go at Edinburgh Council

Up to 300 management and backroom roles could go at Edinburgh Council as the authority aims to reduce management costs and increase efficiencies in preparation for government funding cuts.

If the plans are approved, around £16million would be saved over the next three years as a first step towards the budget savings target of £90million.

Any reductions in staff would be handled through a combination of options, including reducing temporary staff, leaving vacancies unfilled, early retirement, voluntary redundancy, and redeployment to vacant posts that need to be filled. Compulsory redundancies cannot be ruled out. While some of the posts will go between now and the new financial year, it may take longer for the full effect of the changes to be implemented.

A consultation process has begun with unions, and staff are currently being briefed on the proposals.

Council leader Cllr Jenny Dawe said: "The harsh reality of the UK budget deficit requires us to confront some very difficult decisions. These officer recommendations highlight the scale and severity of the challenge. We recognise just how concerning this is for staff and we will critically examine the proposals received from directors. We will do all we can to support staff and to protect the valued and vital services they deliver for the people of Edinburgh."