A DEMONSTRATION against city council budget cuts was held in the Old Market Square.

Public sector union, Unison, collected signatures on Saturday in protest at changes to services for older people and job losses.

Nottingham City Council has announced budget proposals which include savings of more than £18m. They include a reduction in day care and residential care for people with learning disabilities.

It claims the provision of services is changing so more people will be placed with an "adult foster carer", in private accommodation or will take control of their own care through a personalised budget provided by the local authority.

But care workers say many people with learning disabilities are unable to take advantage of these changes and require publicly funded care.

One worker, who did not want to be named, said: "There is no justification whatsoever. The changes are not in the best interests of clients, the only interest is saving money. The impact will be social isolation."

Jean Thorpe, of Unison, said, also criticised the cuts in adult social care which she said would "lead to extreme isolation".

"Services are already cut to the bone in some areas," she said. "A lot of staff are very loyal, good workers. They are going to be unemployed. Where else will they find a job in the current climate?"