A PLAN to dismiss over 1,000 council workers and re-employ them only if they accept new contracts was described as "horrific" by union representatives.

As new pay structures are being introduced across the country, Leeds City Council devised the scheme to comply with new laws which mean that male and female members of staff who are graded at the same level must be paid the same.

Workers were asked to accept new contracts and in some cases a pay cut.

The 1,100 staff that have not accepted the new terms were sent letters telling them their employment would be terminated on October 31 and they would be offered "re-engagement" under a new contract.

It read: "If you report for work on or after 1 November 2008, not having accepted this offer of re-engagement, you will be asked to leave the premises, as you will no longer be an employee of Leeds City Council."