Council spending thousands on introducing uniforms

Rochdale Borough Council

Rochdale Borough Council is spending £12,700 on introducing uniforms for front-line staff.

The move has proved controversial with council staff, a number of whom have contacted Rochdale Online concerned that the money could be better spent on essential services facing cuts.

One council staff member, who asked not to be named, said: "The Council is about to waste money on ordering uniforms for front-line staff throughout the borough.

"This at a time when they are in the process of attempting to make cuts in adult and children's services, as well as trying to enforce unpaid leave for its staff on a permanent basis.

"I think the residents of the borough should have the right to express their opinions on how they'd like to see the money spent. I don't think it would be on fancy uniforms."

A spokesperson for the Council said: "The council is introducing a uniform for front-line staff so that members of the public can easily recognise people in our buildings who are available to help. Like many other large organisations, we want to project a modern professional image."