Job cuts at the Environment Agency have been put on hold while it deals with the floods crisis in England. The quango said it still intended to press ahead with long-term plans to cut its workforce by about 1,550.
But it said discussions with staff who might be affected would be delayed until "current flooding has subsided". Labour has claimed the jobs of 550 flooding specialists are at risk from the shake-up but the Agency said this was not currently being considered.
The Agency has been criticised for its performance in recent weeks and for its past policy on river dredging in Somerset, one of the worst-affected areas. But its chairman Lord Smith, whose own position has come under pressure, has praised the dedication and professionalism of its frontline staff, many of whom have been working non-stop since the start of December.
BBC News - UK floods: Environment Agency job cuts 'on hold'
What an effing incentive to drain the water away etc... once it's gone we'll get rid of you instead. All heart eh. I look forward to next years bout of flooding once they have got rid of the staff. Run to the hills
But it said discussions with staff who might be affected would be delayed until "current flooding has subsided". Labour has claimed the jobs of 550 flooding specialists are at risk from the shake-up but the Agency said this was not currently being considered.
The Agency has been criticised for its performance in recent weeks and for its past policy on river dredging in Somerset, one of the worst-affected areas. But its chairman Lord Smith, whose own position has come under pressure, has praised the dedication and professionalism of its frontline staff, many of whom have been working non-stop since the start of December.
BBC News - UK floods: Environment Agency job cuts 'on hold'
What an effing incentive to drain the water away etc... once it's gone we'll get rid of you instead. All heart eh. I look forward to next years bout of flooding once they have got rid of the staff. Run to the hills
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