Talks between union leaders and refuse service managers are expected to continue this week.

Members of the GMB union and Cityclean, which is responsible for street cleaning in Brighton and Hove, met on Monday after two workers received redundancy notices as part of attempts to cut costs within the service.

The talks are also looking at other aspects of the service, including the introduction of wheelie bin trials and recycling.

Leaflets from the GMB, headed by Mark Turner, have been distributed at the refuse depot in Hollingdean, Brighton.

It says: "If we are unable to resolve the position, we will come back to our members and seek their instructions on what action we should take next.

"However, no one should be under any illusions that if we do not do defend the current situation, this will give management and the council a licence to make any changes without consulting you or negotiating with your union."

A spokeswoman for Brighton and Hove City Council confirmed four management positions were made redundant in June.

Since then it had helped two of the employees find alternative work within the council.

She added: "However, this has not been possible for two of the employees and it is with regret that the council has issued notices of redundancy."

An Audit Commission report, published in 2001, said changes had to be made to the service.

If the council fails to take action, Government inspectors could be sent in to run the service.

The refuse department has struggled with a history of unrest among the workforce going back more than five years.