A proposal for a youth service will see 60% of its workforce slashed.

The Connexions service in Brighton and Hove will see its staffing reduced from 35 to 14.

This is a revised proposal from the city council, which originally suggested leaving just seven people to provide the services, which gives information and advice to young people and support for those with special needs.

The plans, described as a “small victory” by union bosses and opposition leaders, will save £476,000 from the children’s services department, Alex Knutsen, of Unison, said the cost it would have on the young people of the city was huge.

He added: "There is no thought to the value of the service.

"We are yet to receive details from central Government about what they will do to replace the youth service provision.

"By that point all of these talented and professional people will have been forced to leave their posts and look for other work."

A council spokesman said: "We have consulted with staff on a new model for careers advice and for supporting young people with special educational needs that proposes to instil a stronger focus on the employability of young people in the city at a time when we face a public spending squeeze.

“We have taken the views of our staff very seriously indeed, and as a result the report going to our cabinet this week contains a number of amendments to the original proposals.

“Should cabinet agree the amended plan, we would look to redeploy staff within the council where possible."