LISTEN: 126 local jobs at risk over £20million Highland Council cut
MFR News has obtained confidential budget papers
Leaked papers have revealed 126-jobs are at risk at Highland Council which is preparing to make £20million of spending cuts.
The region's deprived area fund is facing a cut in three-quarters of its budget, and adult social care could lose £4million next year.
Leader of the Council, Margaret Davidson added: "Out of courtesy, Trade Unions were briefed yesterday as part of confidential internal briefings to members and staff over the next few days.
"It is extremely disappointing that this confidential briefing was leaked to the media before staff were informed on the proposals."
LISTEN: Budget boss Bill Fernie tells MFR News reporter Bryan Rutherford that he's disappointed with the trade union behind the leaked report, which councillors have not yet voted on...
GMB Scotland's Regional Officer Liz Gordon commented: "Staff are already trying to cope with the staffing reductions of last year, Highland income is highly dependant on tourism.
"Are tourists going to want to come to a litter strewn and overgrown capital & surrounds?
"Do the public want to pay an extra three-per-cent council tax to have less educational provision for their children, more rubbish on the streets, unkempt parks and less winter provision.
"Less money translates into less provision which the public will blame on Highland Council front line staff.
"Over 7,000 Local Authority jobs have been lost in Scotland this year.
"This is an appalling reality and one that the GMB will be raising at every level."