Sixty-eight council workers in Antrim and Newtownabbey look set to lose their jobs as a result of the Covid crisis.
The borough council says the decision was being taken in response to the “current economic crisis arising from the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic”.
Alan Perry, regional organiser, of GMB, said that the trade union has entered into a 30-day consultation with the local authority.
It is expected that initially, voluntary redundancies will be sought.
The council has already furloughed 375 employee and casual staff jobs.
The local authority has estimated it will generate £7.6m less income than expected through rates bills as a result of an anticipated economic downturn.
A spokesperson for Antrim and Newtownabbey Council said: “The current economic crisis arising from the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic has required the council to consider a number of options in response to significant current and future reductions in income.
“Accordingly, a package of measures has reluctantly been agreed to reduce expenditure in relation to capital projects, revenue spending and staffing costs.”
The council said it has made this “difficult decision to avoid imposing significant rates increases on local residents and businesses who are already experiencing financial difficulties”.
Residents were said to have been facing an unprecedented rise of as much as 25 per cent.
The spokesperson added: “The council is particularly concerned about how this would impact on local businesses as this would have an obvious further detrimental impact on their ability to trade through what is already an unprecedented economic crisis.
“Over the coming weeks, the council will consult with the trade unions and any final decision regarding reductions in staffing costs will only be made after the consultation period has ended.
“Volunteers will be sought in the first instance and the council currently has 30 vacant posts which are deemed essential and may offer opportunities for redeployment if required.”
The process is expected to take up to six months to complete.
Antrim and Newtownabbey employs 670 staff and 567 casual workers.
