Hundreds of staff at Perth and Kinross Council could be transferred to a new employer in a move aimed at slashing costs.
Consultations are under way with employees across a number of departments museums and galleries, libraries and archives, community arts development, instrumental music tuition and sports development with a view to trusts operating these services.
The aim is to shave £500,000 off the council budget for cultural and community services, but fears have been expressed that the move could be detrimental to services.
“It is very unsettling for staff, we don’t know who we would be working for or where,” said one of the employees affected.
“We have been told that there would be no choice in the matter if it proceeds if we choose not to transfer that would be taken as resignation, not redundancy.
“If this move will save money, what will be the impact on the services we provide?”
Explaining the background, a council spokesman said last year the local authority agreed within its budget process to review the way in which a number of its services are delivered or commissioned in order to ensure “best value”.
“One of the models for future service delivery being investigated is the commissioning of more services from trusts,” said the spokesman.
“A number of other local authorities in Scotland have already gone down this route and we are also looking to learn from their experiences in considering the options for Perth and Kinross.
“The review is at a very early stage and no final decisions have been taken.
“In the meantime, the council is continuing to keep staff informed of the progress of the review and a report will be taken to full council later this year to enable elected members to consider the initial findings and recommendations for further actions.
“This would include plans for engagement and consultation with the relevant key stakeholders affected by any proposals.”
They added that it was impossible to put an exact figure on how many staff would be involved at this stage of the process.
Trusts such as Live Active Leisure and Horsecross Arts which already operate services traditionally associated with the council are charitable trusts and enjoy some tax benefits and can access external funding which might not be available to the council.
The union Unison said they were supporting members involved but did not want to comment further at this stage of the process.
Murdo Fraser MSP said the council staff involved must be kept fully in the picture.
“Understandably the staff who work in museums, galleries, libraries and other services across Perth and Kinross will be rightfully worried about what this means for their jobs and it is up to the council to provide some clarity,” he said.
“The Live Active trust has proved a success but the problems that have beset the Horsecross Arts trust should serve as a warning for anyone hoping to create a similar trust for cultural and community services.
“The importance of cultural services to residents in Perth and Kinross cannot be overstated and I would hope that service quality can remain the same.”
Liz Smith MSP said: “Councils across Scotland are moving to deliver services through independent trusts.
“These structures often provide a better framework to deliver local services and better value for money for the taxpayer.
“It is vital that Perth and Kinross Council engage with all staff and stakeholders and that genuine consultation takes place before any transfer takes place.”