Thirteen years ago, authorities in the capital employed 195,239 workers, according to figures from the Office of National Statistics.

But by last year, the number had dropped to just 151,757.

Kevin Brandstatter, GMB National Officer, says:

“These figures are clearly appalling and show the deep and lasting damage austerity has done to our country.
“Council workers look after our loved ones, help our children learn, clear away our rubbish and keep our green spaces clean.

“They are the absolute backbone of society and should have had this year’s pay lift already – instead, we have only just received an offer from the Local Government Association.

“GMB members working in local government face huge pressures, with the cost-of-living rocketing.
“They deserve a decent pay rise.”

Kingston Council lost 3,272 in that time which is 72.9% while Surrey County Council lost 11,629 or 39.6%

A Kingston Council spokesperson says:

“For several years, local authorities have faced unprecedented financial pressures due to sustained reductions in central government funding. This has necessitated changes across the sector as councils strive to deliver essential services to residents. We do everything possible to avoid redundancies and negative impacts on staff.

“Kingston Council is committed to providing value for money for our residents and will continue to work diligently to ensure that the council operates efficiently and effectively.”

A SCC spokesperson says:

“Surrey County Council’s (SCC) current voluntary turnover is 9.5%(on a rolling twelve month basis), which is lower than the national average for public sector organisations of 15%. Some turnover is to be expected in any organisation, for a variety of reasons, and we continue to recruit into the Council, including in the Social Care and Qualified Social Work arena to look after our most vulnerable residents.

“Regarding this year’s pay offer, the timing is not a matter that is in our hands, as it is run by the Local Government Association and not individual councils. SCC has committed to mirroring the national pay award for this year with the full support from the Council’s trades unions.”