A quarter of Staffordshire County Council staff could see pay their pay reduced if the scheme is accepted. More could see a pay increase.

Some staff carried out a protest against the scheme, which has also been criticised by unions, at the weekend.

Chief executive Nigel Pursey said the council had to propose a starting point so negotiations could begin.

'Detailed consideration'

He said: "What staff tell us during the consultation period will have a direct impact on the final pay structure which has to be introduced next year.

"These proposals have not been given the go-ahead by cabinet and will be subject to further and detailed consideration.

"This is far from a done deal, which is why employees involvement at this stage is so vital."

He emphasised that the 25% who may get their wages cut would be covered by a three-year pay protection package.

The 45% who get an increase would be eligible for three years back pay.

Unions have said they have not agreed to the plans and have asked the council to apologise after it sent letters setting out the project to its 28,000 employees before consulting with them.