THE GMB union says 12,146 jobs at risk in local authorities in the South West.

It claims 170,582 posts are under threat at 318 local authorities in England, Wales and Scotland.

In nearly all of the councils and public bodies a 90 day statutory consultation period is underway on how to deal with these job losses.

Most councils have given notice that they plan to delete vacant posts and seek volunteers for early retirements and redundancy.