Suffolk County Council staff to stage a rally outside Endeavour House headquarters in protest at £65m planned cuts

Suffolk County Council staff are to stage a rally today calling on councillors to stop more than £65 million of planned cuts.

Workers will protest outside Endeavour House in Ipswich from 1pm ahead of today’s full council meeting, urging councillors defend services.

Staff trade union, UNISON, says central government cash is urgently needed to protect residents and safeguard hundreds of jobs.

The £65 million cuts includes £11 million in staffing budgets, with an estimated 350 jobs at risk.

UNISON says redundancies have already started in children and young people’s services.

Local staff will be joined by UNISON Eastern regional secretary Tim Roberts and former Ipswich MP Sandy Martin for the rally.

Council workers and residents are planning a march through Ipswich on Saturday June 8 to stand up for services. The march will start at Wolsey Theatre at 10.30am before moving to the Corn Exchange for speeches - and then to the Hold.

UNISON Eastern regional organiser Winston Dorsett said: “Suffolk simply can’t endure this level of cuts to essential services.

“They will mean the end of children’s centres, increase homelessness, hit the fire service and stymie trading standards.

“We’re sending a clear message to councillors that they need to find another way.

“We’re also calling on central government ministers to wake up to the damage they’re causing and properly fund local councils.”