The Midlands hardest hit after 600,000 council jobs lost in 10 years across England and Wales, GMB reveals

More than 140,000 council jobs have been lost across the Midlands since 2012, with Birmingham, Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire severely affected, according to a GMB study.

Local councils across England and Wales have shed almost a third of their workforce over the past decade, with Birmingham and several Midlands authorities among the hardest hit, according to new figures released by the GMB union.

A comprehensive study by GMB, based on Office for National Statistics data, reveals that council job numbers have plummeted from 1,894,700 in 2012 to just 1,295,300 in 2024—a net loss of nearly 600,000 roles.

The Midlands has seen some of the most dramatic cuts. Local authorities in the region employed 343,709 people in 2012. By 2024, that number had dropped to 199,721—a staggering fall of more than 143,000 jobs, representing over 40% of the workforce.

Birmingham City Council tops the list of job losses, shedding almost 27,000 employees—a 60% reduction in staff. Derbyshire, Staffordshire, and Nottinghamshire follow closely behind.

The release of these figures comes amid ongoing discussions over a 3.2% pay offer for local government workers. GMB and other unions are currently considering the proposal.

Kevin Brandstatter, GMB National Officer, described the figures as “appalling,” blaming austerity for long-term damage to the sector.

“Council workers look after our loved ones, help our children learn, clear away our rubbish, and keep our green spaces clean,” Brandstatter said. “They are the absolute backbone of society and should have had this year’s pay lift already.”

He added that many workers are under “huge pressure” due to rising living costs and called for a fair pay increase.

The figures underscore growing concerns over the sustainability of local public services and the impact of a shrinking workforce on community wellbeing.

We have contacted Birmingham, Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire councils for comment.

Source: GMB analysis of ONS data via the Local Government Association