Tory councillors in Yorkshire have launched an attack on time given to elected trade union representatives to carry out essential services for their members.

On one council they have joined forces with lick-spittle Liberal Democrats in an attempt to force withdrawal of union “facility time.”

Union representatives in public services are, by tradition and agreement, allowed time during working hours to carry out vital work on issues such as health and safety, representing members in difficulty, and negotiating settlements when disputes arise.

Tory hatred of trades unionism has led to repeated attacks on facility time.

Tories on two Yorkshire councils — York City Council and Halifax-based Calderdale District Council — have launched bids to axe facility time.

Calderdale is Labour-run, but the Tories and Liberal-Democrats combined have the largest number of councillors. They have joined forces to renew the attack.

York’s Tories are in a minority.

But public service union Unison’s regional Yorkshire and Humber secretary John Cafferty said that union reps’ facility time was vital for the smooth running of services — particularly at a time when vicious cuts are hitting services to some of Britain’s most vulnerable people.

“This is typical of the Tory-Lib-Dem-Taxpayers’ Alliance attacks based on absolutely no evidence,” Mr Cafferty said.

“Trades union representatives, particularly in public services, help run services and make them far more efficient.

“There have been academic studies which point towards the billions saved by trades unions working with employers.”

He added that as councils face increasingly severe cuts and service reductions, union representatives were playing a key role in securing services to those most in need.

“The cuts are unnecessary and totally destructive,” said Mr Cafferty. “It is typical of a government of millionaires that they place the largest burden on those individuals who are dependent on councils and other public services — people who face deprivation and disadvantage.”

Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government Eric Pickles has publicly declared his wish to see union facility time eradicated.

Before becoming an MP Mr Pickles was Tory leader of Bradford District Council and wreaked havoc on the city’s public services.