UNION officials have said they are "increasingly concerned" by the ongoing staff restructuring at Ryedale District Council (RDC).

Unison, which represents 150 employees at the council, says it believes there could up to 47 full-time jobs lost, which it says equates to a further 26 per cent reduction in total staff numbers across services.

In July, Janet Waggott, chief executive of RDC, outlined the council’s plans to save £1.1m over the next four years, which could also see the sale of Ryedale House in Malton and other assets.

A spokesman for Unison said: "These cuts, in addition to similar reductions in staffing numbers made since 2010, mean that the council will be operating with a vastly reduced workforce.

"While UNISON understand the necessity to make further savings due to central government funding cuts, UNISON is increasingly concerned that services to the community of Ryedale will suffer."

The union said "no clear information" has yet been provided to them on the level of savings the "sweeping changes" will make comparative to present costs, despite its "numerous requests". It also added that it is seeking "clarity on where savings are to be made".

Ms Waggott said: "Members of Ryedale District Council have been very clear they do not wish to see a cut in frontline services and the management team have been working very hard over the last 12 months to plan and prepare a reduction in costs with minimal impact.

"The financial challenge ahead is that RDC needs to save £1.2 to £1.4 million before 2020.

"As salaries are the highest cost in the council there will inevitably be reductions in staff numbers.

"Staff have been allowed to express an interest should they wish to volunteer for redundancy. I am very grateful for the way in which staff have been actively involved in this process of change to ensure that services to the community do not suffer."