Compulsory redundancies at Walsall Council double

There were 76 redundancies in 2014/15, compared to just 29 in the previous financial year.

Overall there were 259 employees who left in the last year, with many voluntarily, and received a payout - a rise on 230 from 2013/14.

However, the cost of terminating contracts fell from £4.2million to £2.9m as the number of workers receiving more than £100,000 fell.

It comes as it recently emerged staff at the council face a pay cut of two per cent as the authority looks to make savings of at least £82m over the next five years.

Council leader Mike Bird said job losses and reduced service were due to Government cuts.

He said: "I would like to think from our track record we are a caring administration that does our utmost to protect jobs but it isn't always possible.

"The cut in Government funding has not helped and the reduction in services that go with it. We are doing our upmost at the moment to avoid a repeat."

The majority of the packages were for up to £20,000, with two just over £100,000. There were five in the higher band the previous year.

It comes as changes to pay and conditions have been put forward by the authority. Negotiations are being held with union bosses in a move which bosses say would safeguard the long-term future of workers.

Around 4,000 employees stand to be affected, across all services, but those employed directly by schools would not see any changes.

Council chiefs say tough choices have to be made but the planned changes would help to save around 150 jobs from being axed.

Together with the planned pay cut, staff will also be required to take three days unpaid leave per year.

Pay progression will be frozen for two years and car allowances would be cut, under the proposals.

Further changes include reducing the rate staff can claim for business mileage down to the HM Revenue & Customs approved rate of 45p per mile.

If implemented, the council is expecting the proposals will help deliver £3.7m worth of savings a year, with a further one off saving of £3.7m. Talks have been launched with trade unions and staff on proposed changes to pay and terms and conditions.