'Dead wood' workers at Teignbridge Council are set to face the chop under new rules which might be introduced as early as next April.

Posts could also be at risk as the council seeks to merge backroom jobs with neighbouring authorities.

Members of the executive committee will, next Tuesday, consider a report by personnel manager Andrew Candy.

The document includes a draft strategy with an introduction by chief executive Nicola Bulbeck – thought to earn around £100,000 a year – who spoke of the need for 'disciplined action'.

The document outlines the case for getting rid of what it described as the 'dead wood'. FOR FULL STORY GO TO OUR ONLINE EDITION