Council workers' bitter disappointment with Labour in Southampton

The Unison union representing council workers in Southampton has blasted the Labour council’s budget.

An extra £5 million from the government could have been used to defend jobs and services. But the council has left over 50 workers at risk of redundancy.

Only £193,000 was put into the youth service, saving five jobs. But £40,000 was found to ensure the mayor has a chauffeur.

Unison branch secretary Mike Tucker said the union was “bitterly disappointed at the choices Labour councillors have made”.

He warned councillors that “they are at risk of losing touch with the people of Southampton who put them in office in May 2012”.

Workers were set to lobby the council on Wednesday of next week.