THOUSANDS of council staff will see their allowances and overtime payments slashed in a bid to save money.

The 7,000 employees at Cheshire West and Chester Council (CWAC) are being consulted on plans to overhaul the terms and conditions of their employment.

Councillors from the staffing committee argue that this will bring their packages more in line with the private sector and will save CWAC £4.2million a year.

But trades unions say the changes could lead to strike action.

More to follow.