AS council staff return to work union bosses are urging them to take part in ‘Wear It Black Day’ on Monday (January 6) to mourn job losses.

Unison members at Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council have organised the event to coincide with the issuing of redundancy notices as the authority looks to lose 150 posts.

Middlesbrough South and East Cleveland MP, Tom Blenkinsop, has told union organisers he will wear a black tie in parliament in solidarity with the protest.

UNISON branch secretary Andrew Tickle said: "We’re pleased our ‘Wear It Black’ campaign has sparked a public debate.

"It is important that everyone understands the impact these job losses and cuts to public services will have on the families of hardworking council staff, the local economy and the most vulnerable people in our community.”