Teaching staff in jobs fear
A team of 20 staff responsible for teaching schoolchildren across Sandwell about road safety will be axed under council cost-cutting plans.
The part-time workers – 19 women and one man – visit schools around the borough to teach youngsters how to cross the borough's roads safely.
But Sandwell Council is proposing to get rid of the team – and replace them with computer programmes – as part of wider plans to save £2million.
Councillor Maria Crompton, cabinet member for highways and the environment, said the authority wanted to 'modernise' the lessons using electronic technology.
The proposals have come under fire from concerned union bosses, who are calling on the council to reconsider the move. A formal consultation is now under way. All of the staff are at risk of redundancy.
Mohammed Khalik, GMB Regional organiser, said: "
GMB consider that not enough priority has been given to exploring alternatives to secure this important frontline service or even how this will be delivered in the future." Councillor Crompton said: "Our traditional service is no longer sustainable and many councils in the country use electronic interactive technology."
