UNIONS at Liverpool city council have pledged to use every method open to them to protect jobs during a shake-up of social services.

It comes after yesterday’s revelations that nine day centres are to close, as part of huge changes in social care.

The city’s 12 day centres will be amalgamated into three revamped “super hubs” – Lancaster, in Walton; Lime Court, in Kensington; and Alderwood, in Speke, will be retained.

The new set-up will be phased in over three years, and will see the number of staff employed by the council in social care drop by around 10% from 1,014 to 850.

The council said it was hoped that no compulsory redundancies would be required, and that many of the jobs will be shed by natural wastage or early retirement.

As part of the shake-up, three care homes will become temporary rehabilitation centres for people leaving hospital, with a total of 85 beds.

The council is also changing the way those needing social services are assessed.

About 1,300 people with “moderate” needs will be re-assessed for alternative services.

The term “moderate” will stop being used when assessing new referrals.

A consultation of at least three months will start if the council’s cabinet approves the plan on Friday.

Angela Blundell, secretary of Liverpool council joint trade unions committee, said: “We have not yet met with our members, as consultation has just started and we are not fully aware of the effects on our members, who continue to work with dedication under sometimes difficult conditions.

“We recognise that the Government’s personalisation agenda will continue to change the way in which services are delivered, but we will defend our members' jobs and terms and conditions with every method open to us.”