HUNDREDS of council workers are expected to demonstrate against proposals to reduce redundancy pay – as they wait to hear how many of them will lose their jobs.

A protest has been organised at County Hall for November 5, to coincide with a meeting of the full council.

Unison, the public sector union, is also consulting its members about whether they want to take industrial action over the proposals to reduce the redundancy payments.

Notts County Council sent letters to staff earlier this month announcing plans to change terms and conditions.

The most significant change was a cut in the redundancy package, but a reduction in payment to staff who use their own car for council business has also concerned employees.

The letters stated the unions had been made aware of the proposals. This was inaccurate and Unison met with council managers last week and informed them the union now considered this to be a formal dispute.

If no resolution is reached the matter will go to independent arbitration. If that fails it could lead to industrial action.

Denise Smith, Unison branch secretary for Notts, said: "We want to demonstrate the anger about the proposed cuts. The more we get the bigger message it sends to the councillors about how annoyed staff are. Staff are annoyed not only about the proposals but also the way it has been done."

The protest will take place from 12.30pm to 1.30pm.

Ms Smith said: "I hope councillors come out of their meeting to see just how angry people are.

Staff are aware of the budget issues facing the council but there are lots of other savings the council could make before this. This should be the last resort, not the first."

Unison is viewing the proposals to cut redundancy pay in the context of impending job cuts. The union calculated that redundancy could be cut by up to a half.

Ms Smith said the package was only agreed two years ago, adding: "It was considered reasonable then. The council is not saying where hundreds of jobs will be cut. That is why it is even more worrying for staff."

Ms Smith said the union expected an announcement about job losses in November.

County council chief executive Mick Burrows said: "The public sector in this country faces the biggest financial challenges for a generation.

"Our challenges include balancing our budget, meeting increased demand for social care and reinforcing services that safeguard children.

"We are trying to do this in the least painful way for everyone. Whilst it may be seen to be regrettable to propose changes to our terms and conditions this has to be balanced against potential reductions in services and jobs. We want to work with staff and unions to reach an agreement on the proposed changes. These proposals will potentially save us £2.9m each year, thereby helping to meet the £33m challenge we face next year alone."

charles.walker@nottinghameveningpost.co.uk