GMB strikes 'not ruled out' over Swindon council cuts

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* Council may shed up to 100 jobs

A union representing staff at Swindon Borough Council is warning of strike action over proposed job losses.

As outlined in its 2012/13 draft budget, the Conservative-run council has identified more than 100 job cuts as part of "efficiency savings" in order to help save £14m.

Andy Prendergast of Swindon's GMB Union said it "will not rule out" strike action and will be consulting members.

The council has not responded to the union's comments.

The savings proposals will be debated at a council cabinet meeting later.

Mr Prendergast added: "We will be working with the council to make sure that this is as painless as possible and our members' views are taken into account."

Other cost-savings measures to be discussed include increasing parking charges, cutting bus subsidies and a review of leisure facility prices.

However, council tax in the borough would remain unchanged.

Speaking at the time the draft budget was published, Swindon Borough Council leader Roderick Bluh said: "The big problem is the rising demand for our services.

"We really do have to get our heads round to how we're going to work differently to meet these challenges.

"Clearly no job losses are good, and certainly not good for the people who are going to be affected.

"In terms of the numbers, they are relatively modest compared to the size of the workforce."

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