WORKERS at a bus depot fear they may lose their jobs or face a severe pay cut as transport bosses attempt to make substantial savings.

The 80 staff who work at Loftus bus depot, in east Cleveland, have been asked by management at Arriva North-East to come up with costcutting initiatives in a bid to make the company more efficient.

One worker said they had been told that the company needed to make savings of at least £4,000 per worker if the bus station was to remain open.

And they claimed it had been suggested that staff no longer be paid for their hour’s lunch break each day, which would amount to a £41.50 a week pay cut for many workers.

The staff have been asked to work with management to come up with cost-cutting ideas, which could include a reduction in wages, less overtime, lowering energy bills, and reducing the amount of stock on the site, such as spare parts.

Arriva said if the savings could be made, the depot would remain open. However, if efficiencies are not found, the site could be closed, with services operated out of Redcar bus depot instead.

Independent councillor Mary Lanigan, who represents Loftus for Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council, said she fears for the workers and future services.

“I don’t want jobs lost or services cut,” she said.

“The east Cleveland area lost bus services about 18 months ago and we can’t afford to lose any more.

“I have spoken to a lot of workers who fear they will be told this week that the bus depot will close.

“And if the depot does close, where are the buses going to turn around? There is nowhere.”

But John Fozzard of Arriva said that bus services would not be lost at the end of the consultation with staff and union representatives.

He said: “We are not looking to make reductions to services or any cuts in any manner, but we are looking to ensure that every one of our depots is commercially viable.

“There are costs that we need to save, and one way of doing that would be via a reduction in salaries, but that is not something that we intend to do, or we would hope is the only suggestion that’s presented.

“But I cannot comment on any figure. I have not heard any figure mentioned.”

He added: “Should the depot close, staff will be given the opportunity to transfer to other areas, such as Stockton, Redcar and Whitby.

“But, while we will make every effort to re-employ as many people as possible, we can’t rule out the risk of compulsory redundancies.

“No date has been set for exactly when we are going to make a decision, but the depot may not close at all.”

The Transport and General Workers Union has been in discussion with staff and Arriva, but was not available for comment yesterday.