Transport Director denies letter claims

Last month the Department of Community, Culture and Leisure revealed it needed to make savings of around £300,000. 

It was suggested that this saving could be achieved by stopping paid lunch breaks – something that would equate to around a 12 per cent pay cut to each employee. 

Yesterday it was alleged that bus drivers had received letters claiming that they would be sacked if they didn’t agree to new terms. 

Director Ian Longworth said staff had been sent letters but denied they had been threatened with dismissal – instead saying they had just been advised of the seriousness of the budget situation. 

He added that discussions between staff, the department and unions were ongoing and said as a result he didn’t feel it was appropriate to make full public comment at this time.