SOCIAL workers are suffering under a tremendous workload as draconian budget cuts bite.

Staff are paying the price as cash-strapped bosses celebrate getting the books out of the red.

Harsh and unpopular measures including service cuts, higher charges and leaving old folk "bed-blocked" have succeeded in virtually clearing a £3 million overspend in two years.

The achievement was presented to councillors at Monday's social services committee meeting.

Over the last 12 months, the overspend has been reduced from £1.3 million to just £185,000.

But the itemised list shows that a large chunk has come from salaries which have not been paid because posts have been left empty in almost every service area.

This drain on human rather than material resources was flagged up by Labour councillor Sue Arnall.

"It stands out a mile that we are balancing the budget because of staff covering for vacancies," she said.

"The stress on the staff must be tremendous - everybody is doing two people's jobs."

Formally thanking staff for their hard work, Coun Arnall said she looked forward to a time when the council could start replacing departing employees.

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