Birmingham council job threat workers meet unions

Council workers affected by the threat of more than 400 jobs being cut at Birmingham City Council have met with union leaders.

Up to 430 jobs, some with the Connexions service which helps young people, could go due to a smaller government grant, the council has said.

Unison organised a meeting for members on Friday.

"Front-line advice services will be hit at a time when young people most need their help," a spokesman has said.

The council has said the services which are being reviewed include Connexions, Positive Activities for Young People, Participation and Engagement, which are all based within the Integrated Youth Support Service.

The Children's Commissioning Team, which is partly funded by the government grant, will also be reviewed.

A spokesman has said: "Following the government's reduction of the Area Based Grant, the immediate impact of this for the Children, Young People and Families directorate is a potential loss of £6.131m to be achieved by the end of November this year and a greater loss at the end of the financial year."

About 2,000 jobs are already under threat at the council.

John Griffin, from Unison, has said: "Birmingham young people are particularly vulnerable because the West Midlands has been hardest hit by the recession.

"Yet our service works.

"Unison is now urging Birmingham City Council to rethink its policy of slash and burn front-line cuts."

Union members met at Charter House on Broad Street.