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Kirklees District Council workers begin fight for their jobs

COUNCIL workers in West Yorkshire are fighting for their jobs after Kirklees District Council announced plans for 250 compulsory redundancies.

The Labour-run local authority, which is based in Huddersfield and covers surrounding towns including Dewsbury and Batley, is trying to cope with an overspend of £20 million.

Members of public-sector union Unison are resisting the redundancy plans, with workers lobbying a meeting of the council last night and balloting for strike action.

Unison Yorkshire and Humberside regional organiser Robin Symonds said: “Staff aren’t willing to roll over and let these cuts happen.

“They’re fighting for their jobs, but they’re also fighting for the communities they serve, who’ll inevitably suffer if these cuts go ahead.”

Unison Kirklees branch secretary Mick Donoghue said: “The financial problems at the council are a result of 13 years of mismanagement by the Conservative government and making these cuts will just kick the can down the road, rather than actually addressing the issues.”

The council was invited to comment.

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