THE restructuring of the library service in York is causing staff concern, according to a union leader.

As reported last week in The Press, City of York Council intends to make changes to the library service which will see some jobs vanish while others will be created. It also wants to change the current delivery of the service from simply looking after books to the active promotion of reading. In addition, a greater emphasis would be put on learning and children.

But Andrea Dudding, the Unison convenor for leisure, culture and children's services, said the restructuring meant that many members of staff were technically at risk of losing their jobs.

But she admitted there was only one worker who had been identified as having a real risk of redundancy.

She said: "It is a pretty radical restructuring and so has significant human implications."

Because of this, Mrs Dudding asked that the process be completed quickly and with as much clarity and openness as possible so that workers were not left in limbo, wondering what was happening.

Fiona Williams, the council's head of libraries and heritage, said the 113 employees had been involved in the process and had been encouraged to ask questions.

"We have listened to the staff and we continue to listen to them," she said.

"Our aim is to take the staff with us as, if the staff don't believe in the structure, there is no point having a new structure as they are the ones who have to make it work."

She added that it was hoped the new service would become more customer-oriented with library workers having the time to talk to customers about their reading habits and their learning needs.

On Tuesday, the council's executive member for leisure and culture, Keith Orrell, gave his support for the plans, although the decision still has to be ratified by the full council.

Coun Orrell also said that he agreed library employees should be consulted and kept informed as much as possible.

City of York Council will meet to discuss the restructuring on January 25.

If approved, discussions will begin between Unison and the council's human resources department and the new structure will be in place by April 1.