Lewisham Council should reconsider plans that threaten five of its staff with redundancy, dismissal or being moved to a lower grade, says UNISON today (Thursday).

The union says the decision makes no sense, especially as services across the borough are increasingly stretched.

Two of five workers whose jobs are at risk include the joint secretaries of UNISON's Lewisham Council branch. 

As well as the service the staff provide to residents, the two UNISON members provide essential support to the union's members working in every part of the local authority.

Despite initial constructive talks, further attempts at finding a solution failed after the council revoked a previous deal, effectively ending the hopes of a resolution, says UNISON.

The union says Lewisham Council is deliberately choosing a hardline approach. Fears are this could undermine the working relationship with the union at a time when the local authority is facing the possibility of having to a make cuts totalling £25m.

UNISON London regional organiser Rachael Johnson said: “Lewisham's decision to make posts redundant and threaten to dismiss staff is foolish.

“The council must think again. When services are so stretched the council should be looking at how it can keep hold of its staff, not showing them the door."