Some top officers with Bradford Council face compulsory redundancy in a management restructure expected to be in place by the summer.

The Council's Chief Executive, Ian Stewart, said the redundancies were expected as a result of the major reorganisation of the Council's top tier.

Those losing their jobs will receive compensation and help in finding other posts.

Mr Stewart said he could not give the number involved.

A regional Unison spokesman's only comment on the reorganisation was that negotiations would continue.

He said assessments were being carried out this week over a submission that existing jobs could be absorbed in the new structure.

If the submissions are turned down, the officers can go to an appeal.

Controversial recommendations for the restructure were agreed by the Council's Executive Committee in April - the current structure of seven directors for departments, including education, is to be replaced with three assistant chief executive posts.

Original proposals were changed after lengthy consultations with unions and staff.

The jobs, to be advertised nationally in the near future, will be for three new assistant chief executives and 17 directors on a lower scale. It will cut the current top management by about a third.

The assistant chief executives are for education and community - which will include education and social services - regeneration and environment, and policy and corporate support.

Owen Williams has already been appointed marketing and communications director and Keith Handley to the limited time post of programme change director.

Salaries for the new assistant chief executives will start at £81,801. An appraisal scheme would be brought in.

Mr Stewart said: "We expect to have a shortlist of candidates by the end of May. Some existing staff have expressed an interest in severance."

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