Almost 40 workers could lose their jobs as part of a staffing shake-up at Dudley Council, it has emerged.

A total of 38 employees have been placed on the “redeployment register” and will be made redundant if new posts are not found within three months.

Council bosses say they are confident the majority will be found new positions elsewhere within the cash-strapped local authority.

Among those on the register are staff in doomed neighbourhood management teams across the borough, including workers based at Woodside Community Centre.Almost 40 workers could lose their jobs as part of a staffing shake-up at Dudley Council, it has emerged.

A total of 38 employees have been placed on the “redeployment register” and will be made redundant if new posts are not found within three months.

Council bosses say they are confident the majority will be found new positions elsewhere within the cash-strapped local authority.

Among those on the register are staff in doomed neighbourhood management teams across the borough, including workers based at Woodside Community Centre.Netherton and Woodside councillor Mabubhur Rahman said the situation was worrying for the staff and the loss of certain positions was upsetting for local residents.

“It is very sad,” he said.

“These people can apply for a number of posts within the new structure, but unfortunately not everyone will be included in that.”

Staffing levels will be among the frontline savings announced as part of the new budget by council leader David Caunt this month. The running of meals on Wheels and Leisure Centres will be handed over to private firms.

“This has been a difficult budget to set,”he said.

“Our services are at the frontline and with limited resources we have had to make some hard decisions about where our priorities lie.”