UNION leaders attacked the planned closure of a helpline for people facing discrimination, warning that government initiatives to boost employment rights could be hit by staffing cuts.
The Public and Commercial Services union urged the Equality and Human Rights Commission to reverse plans to close the helpline in Manchester and restructure others in Cardiff, Birmingham and Glasgow.
The union said 50 posts would be lost at a time when calls to the helpline were increasing because of the recession.
Officials warned that the closure would undermine government initiatives, including a drive to persuade more women to seek advice on their employment rights.
