A union says a reduction in redundancy rates for council staff is an “an attack on low paid people”

Dacorum Borough Council has reduced the redundancy rates for its staff members.

The new redundancy rate is now 1.5 week per year of service, instead of the 2.2 weeks paid previously to staff who were laid off.

Public service union Unison disagreed with this decision.

David Devereux, Unison Branch Secretary described it as “an attack on low paid people”.

He said: “This decision is wrong and local workers are worth the money.”

Unison members have said they will be lobbying councillors to challenge this implemented resolution.

However, public sector workers expect a five per cent increase in pay in the Chancellor's autumn budget on November 22.

Based on this outcome, union members will decide which actions to take.

The reduction in the redundancy rate for council staff workers came as a review and update of the staff terms and conditions.

Conservative councillor Andrew Williams said average workers continue to have a "fair" payment, adding that previous rate was "very high".

Conservative councillor Janice Marshall, said she understood the concerns raised regarding the reduction in redundancy rate.

She also added that the former package was out of kilter with what was offered elsewhere, adding: “It would be inappropriate not to change it.”