Council leaders say job cuts and cost savings will still be made

Northamptonshire County Council said by restructuring back-office duties, such as IT, secretarial work and personnel, it could cut costs.

A review by the council's chief executive Katherine Kerswell, who took up the post in September, found the idea demoralised staff.

But council leader Jim Harker said cuts and job losses would still be needed.

It has not been good for morale and we have lost some very good people as a result. Jim Harker, council leader

Mr Harker said: "It has not been good for morale and we have lost some very good people as a result.

"It has not been successful in that respect and I think the sensible thing is not to go on with it hoping it will work, but to change it so that it does work.

"The staff recognise that we have got to make savings and the feedback from them in a consultation is that they understand the pressures.

"They know what we have got to do, it really is the way we were doing it that was wrong."

Robin Palfrey, the branch secretary for the Unison union at Northamptonshire county hall, said: "At face value it's good news because we always knew the blueprint as it stood couldn't happen.

"But the way it has been done so far has been damaging to the employees who have been rocking and reeling for a number of years under this administration.