Council proposes staff take five days unpaid holiday

Rochdale Council wants council workers to take five days unpaid holiday for the next two years as a way for the council to make savings.

It is understood that the proposals are currently at stage three of the process with workers receiving a letter last week informing them of the proposals.

One council worker, who did not want to be named, said: “I don’t mind doing it if it is going to save people's jobs. It is just frustrating when front line staff have to take a cut.”

Linda Fisher, Acting Chief Executive at Rochdale Council, said: “As part of our latest budget savings we began a period of consultation this week on proposals which have implications for our workforce. This consultation with all staff and trade unions will last for a minimum of 45 days.

“One of these is a proposal to apply five days mandatory unpaid leave for all staff to be taken flexibly during 2015/16 and 2016/17. As yet no final decision has been made but we are encouraging staff to let us know their views, as we look to save £51 million over the next two
financial years.”