'ABSOLUTE GUARANTEE' FOR PHONE LINES

Council bosses have given an “absolute guarantee” that staff will still be contactable over the phone, amid plans for job cuts.

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Some 26 posts are set to go at Newcastle City Council under a redesign of its customer services, part of a total 75 job losses expected under a £4 million budget cut proposal for next year.

With the plans stating that the council will be “increasing self-service and automation”, under efforts to streamline local authority services and make more use of Al, fears were expressed this week that the move could make it harder for some city residents to speak to council workers when they are seeking help.