CASH-strapped Thurrock Council may have backtracked on plans it announced to cut up 500 jobs in a bid to cut costs over the next two years. But the issue is clouded through a lack of direct information with staff saying they are kept kept in the dark about their futures, though the council says more clarity may emerge later, in September.

In June Thurrock Nub News reported on details of a plan approved by the ruling Conservative administration to make cuts to its budget.

There was little doubt about the intentions of the creators of the report which went to the cabinet and was approved. The report said: "As staff costs are by far the largest of the council's budgets, it is obvious that a higher target than £4 million needs to be achieved when considering the budget gap of £34.3m.

"Officers are currently working on an assumption of reducing staff related costs by £10m for each of the next two years.

"At an average on-costed salary, this equates to a 500 full time equivalent reduction over the two years which represents circa 25 per cent of the current workforce. The reduction of permanent positions will see a proportionately leaner management structure."

There has been little official comment about the budget revision from the council and senior councillors have also been relatively tight-lipped, though finance portfolio holder Cllr Shane Hebb did try to put a positive spin on the news.

Opposition leader Cllr John Kent described the planned new budget and job cuts as 'brutal'.

Within the council many members of staff have expressed concern about the future. They are worried about their jobs and say they are being kept in limbo. Several have contacted Nub News to say they have been given little or no information about what lies ahead.

Particularly up for criticism is council CEO Lyn Carpenter, who regularly briefs staff through her internal blog.

Nub News has seen several editions of her blog in which she frequently refers to the council being 'leaner' but there is little direct information.

We have also seen minutes of 'workgroup' briefings which appear to suggest that media reporting, including that of Nub News (while accurately reflecting a fully documented council report), have been misleading.

So we asked the council: "In a workgroup meeting last week, staff were told that the figure of 500 jobs may not be correct and it was dependent on the council's 'cost base'.

"And that there will be no significant news until there is more 'clarity' in January.

"We are advised that the council is considering implementing a continuation of a pay freeze in a bid to save job losses.

"Staff members were told: "If the funding amount is not sufficient in December then all options will be considered to resolve the gap in budget'."

We asked for clarity from the council on the current situation and have been told: "As always discussions with staff will take place through established internal channels and methods. It is inappropriate to comment on internal staff matters publicly, and unhelpful to mediate these discussions through the local media.

"The statement in the report you refer to stated: "Officers are currently working on an assumption of reducing staff related costs by £10m for each of the next two years" and illustrated the amount by relating to an average on-costed salary which could equate "to a 500 full time equivalent reduction over the two years."

However, Thurrock Council will work hard to transform services and drive an efficient and effective organisation, while ensuring minimal impacts on the outcomes of front-line service users, businesses and staff.

"Pay settlements are determined annually and agreed by council in February. At its July meeting Cabinet agreed outline proposals for overview and scrutiny committees and officers to consider and to refer back to cabinet in September when further decisions will be taken."