Oldham council has identified another 278 jobs which could be cut as the search to find £24m in savings goes on.

Last month, Oldham council announced that up to 400 jobs could go as it tries to meets next year's budget challenges.

An initial 122 posts were identified and are the subject of an on-going consultation with staff and trade unions which runs until December. The council today announced the next 278 posts that could be cut.

Councillor Abdul Jabbar, cabinet member for finance and resources, said: “This latest package of proposals is designed to mitigate the number of compulsory redundancies that we need to make.

“Together the savings we have identified in these first two stages of this process would cover the £24 million in savings that we need to find from next year’s budget.

“However, I must stress again that all of these measures remain subject to consultation, so we are continuing to engage with and listen to staff, trade unions and residents alike before any final decisions are taken.

“We have a very clear policy here to minimise redundancies and a full package of assistance and support – plus redeployment opportunities – will be offered to any staff affected.”

He added: “Alongside a reduction in posts, Oldham council is also continuing to examine all possible areas to reduce costs including greater partnership working with Unity and other organisations, plus improved procurement.

“There are no easy answers when you have to find savings on this level and in such a testing economic climate. We are continuing to work hard to ensure that we strike the right balance here between financial prudence whilst also continuing to invest in priority areas for residents.”

Potential changes to employee terms and conditions, which could save around £1.5 million a year, are now also under discussion with staff.

These include changes to sick pay and introducing a freeze on incremental pay rises for all non-school staff.

For more information on the council's public consultation and a detailed breakdown of the budget and income, log on to oldham.gov.uk/budget.

Residents are invited to submit their ideas using an online form and can also rate suggestions made by others as they are published on the site.

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