Classroom workers 'to lose jobs'

Unions said the loss of the assistants was opposed

About 200 classroom assistants are set to lose their jobs in Aberdeen City Council's latest round of budget cuts.

Education and social services will bear the brunt of the savings, if councillors agree to next year's £24m of savings next month.

The GMB and EIS unions said the loss of pupil support assistants was opposed.

However, the council's deputy leader Kevin Stewart told BBC Scotland that "tough choices" had to be made as part of the savings.

'Firm footing'

Cllr Stewart said: "We have got to make the savings - that is the reality and no one can get away from that. My main interest is in getting this city back on a firm financial footing.

"But we are still at the proposals stage and if people come up with viable alternatives for savings we are more than happy to listen."

No schools, libraries or swimming pools have been earmarked for closure.

The resources management committee recommended the package of proposals on Tuesday and they will go to full council on 17 December.