A union claims almost four thousand fewer people are now employed by Plymouth city council than at the time of the general election in 2010.

The figures have been released by the GMB as they call on the government to halt their programme of cuts.

It means the number of people employed at Plymouth city council has dropped by more than thirty per cent in two years.

The GMB's figures include posts which were removed or left unfilled and also part time or casual staff who have left.

In a statement, Plymouth City Council say 'that the main reason for the decrease in the city is that 11 schools have gained Academy status so their employees are no longer classed as council staff'.

They added that 'streamlining terms and conditions, not backfilling posts and restructuring departments have contributed to their budget cuts'.

They also say they have minimised compulsory redundancies wherever possible.