UNION members are pleading for their jobs as Dorset County Council plans hundreds of redundancies in its cost-cutting budget.

In return UNISON, which represents up to 10,000 local government workers throughout the county, has pledged to back the council's attempts to wring extra cash from the government.

The union cites the closure of day centres for the elderly and vulnerable, youth centres and libraries, and a recruitment freeze on those working with children.

The cuts will impact most severely on the most vulnerable with the community and redundancy payments may wipe out the hoped-for savings, says UNISON.

Although the county is planning about 100 redundancies, reduced packages for 300 others could force them to find alternative jobs to meet their commitments, said UNISON.

Spokesperson Pamela Jefferies said: "Dorset County Council quite rightly has broadcast its pride in its accolade as an 'excellent' council.

"The staff have really worked hard to get that and this is a real kick in the teeth.

"The government are just not listening. Last year we thought it was bad but this year it's just unbelievable - the Audit Commission couldn't make any sense of the funding formula and will review it in 2007.

"Dorset County Council will be on its knees by 2007 - we need the money now.

"The impact of this package is increased stress and pressure on staff morale which will seriously jeopardise the excellent service currently being provided.

"Workers are not only concerned about their own positions but their ability to proved the public with a safe and decent level of service."

Council leader Tim Palmer said: "To achieve a seven per cent increase we have to take £5 million out of the budget.

"We would never have achieved 'excellent' status without the first-class, dedicated people who work for us but there's no ducking the issue.

"We will do our level best to minimise the damage to our employees, as we're doing our level best to minimise the burden on the tax payer."

Ms Jefferies urged Dorset residents to lobby local councillors, Tony Blair and their MPs.

She also said people should sign the UNISON petition - for more details ring 01202 224436.