Trade union job move sparks Tory criticism

The behind-closed-doors decision to second a staff member to public services union Unison for two years was criticised by Tory group leader, County Coun Geoff Driver, who said costs could have been used to save a job or jobs: “When they are making cuts to services and making people redundant it just seems crazy.

“It seems entirely the wrong thing to do.”

But County Hall Deputy Leader Coun David Borrow defended the move and said: “The county council is giving support to the staff of the county council as it goes through the transformation process which means staff are leaving the employment of the council.”

And Unison county secretary Elaine Cotterell said: “They will need the trade unions.

“The council has to go through statutory consultation with the workforce.”

She said it was more cost effective to have an officer seconded for the many consultations ahead.