WARRINGTON'S youth service expenditure will be reduced by a further £118,000 under current proposals as fears over its future intensify.

The authority confirmed full programme planning is under way as part of a move which it believes will 'protect' youth workers in the long-term.

There is no prospect of increased funding due to saving requirements but a 'reduction in delivery' is not planned and families will have access to 'more joined-up services' to reduce management costs.

TUSC councillor Kevin Bennett was among protestors outside the Town Hall ahead of Monday's full council meeting.

He believes the authority is threatening to impose changes to workers' terms and conditions using a 'dismiss and re-engage' approach.

He said: "This will result in poorer outcomes for the most vulnerable young people and the council as a whole.

"Members have no choice but to accept pay protection – the members are furious they are having to change terms and conditions."

The £1,176,241 total youth service expenditure in 2013-14 is forecasted to reach an overall £147,241 reduction this year.

And under current proposals spending would be reduced by a further £118,000 over the 2016-17 period.

Before the youth service restructure in 2014 there were 19 posts for staff educated to degree level and 19 youth support posts.

Currently, the service has 16 staff educated to degree level and 19 support posts – an overall loss of three posts from qualified youth workers.

Plans will reduce positions for staff qualified to degree level by a further two posts.

As the service currently has vacancies, it will see the total number of roles reduced from 34 to 32.

Cllr Bennett also believes qualified staff are at risk of losing 10 per cent a year in their salary for 'doing the same job'.

It follows fears from public sector unions who believe ending the Joint Negotiating Committee (JNC) agreement for youth and community support workers could see terms and conditions and professional standing of youth workers 'undermined'.

Unite regional officer Sharon Byrne said: "It is correct that if youth workers move to National Joint Council they stand to lose approx 9.6 per cent in pay – this coupled with a significant reduction in annual leave.

"Although the council has agreed to allow staff to continue any courses already agreed this will not be the case for the future.

"Unite is concerned if the JNC is wound up what happens to the overseeing of the occupation and the integrity of it."

But council chiefs are confident measures will be in place to continue delivering.

A spokesman said: "A consultation process is under way, including scheduled meetings with trade unions, in line with our agreed processes – no decisions have yet been reached.

"Under present terms and conditions youth workers have higher pay grades and increased annual leave allowances than other staff who offer similar frontline services.

"Under the proposed new terms and conditions, while basic pay rates will be reduced for some youth workers, they will be able to claim an enhanced payment of 20 per cent for hours worked after 7pm and at weekends."

Under current proposals, youth workers will be based in multi-disciplinary teams in communities alongside children centre staff and family support workers.