Hundreds of Lambeth Council jobs will be axed this year as the local authority braces itself for millions of pounds in funding cuts.

The council today launched a 90 day consultation with trade unions and staff on cutting around 400 posts.

It said its "absolute priority" was to improve and maintain front line services, but it must save £20m this financial year.

Some 215 positions in children and young person's services are earmarked for the chop, along with 58 posts in housing, regeneration and the environment, 36 posts in finance and resources, and 25 posts in the office of the chief executive. Dozens of jobs in the adult and community service department also face the axe.

The council said there would be reductions in the number of manager and director posts, support posts, and temporary and agency positions by streamlining at most levels across the council.

Councillor Jackie Meldrum, deputy leader, said: "We are now beginning a process that will see sensible adjustments made to the number of posts, particularly where there are overlaps in responsibilities among managers and directors.”

She added: "We are very clear our absolute priority is to protect front line services.

“It has been clear for some time councils across the country will face new challenges over the next few years, and funding will be tighter."

The council was keen to stress 400 workers w ould not be made redundant, as there are unfilled posts that could be axed, and workers moved from redundant positions to fill other posts, as well as long - term civil servants retiring.

Positions filled by temporary and agency staff would be cut, protecting permanent staff.

A council spokesman said as well as a staff restructure, the council plan ned to achieve the £20m savings by "making efficiency savings and working smarter, increasing the collection of debt owed to the council, and examining if it could join together with other councils to commission joint services".

Are you affected by the cuts? Do you know someone who is? Contact the newsdesk on 020 8330 9538 or click here to email us