STAFF at Teignbridge Council are up to their necks with work and just could not take any more.
The stern warning was made to Teignbridge Council Executive, on Tuesday, by Christine Bolton, Unison's local conditions secretary, as members considered a recommendation to carry out an initial review of all services.
'I know what stress-related problems are in each department and any increase will just add to that,' she said.
The recommendation called for management services, together with two members, under the direction of the joint overview and scrutiny group, to carry out an initial review of all services to categorise them into statutory, income generating, highly desirable and others.
From the corporate resources committee it also suggested the review was considered essential, its completion a high priority, and that Unison should be consulted and offered a place on the review team.
Nigel Tootell, chairman of the Teignbridge Unison branch, said there was cautious support but he had been asked to highlight concerns.
'I do not see this as being a quick review. To do it properly you will need a considerable amount of officer input. This will take time and it is up to you to decide whether you will make time available for it,' he said.
Cllr June Collis said she had many concerns about the council taking on another review.
She pointed out that the authority was already working on three very urgent big issues – the Large Scale Voluntary Transfer (council houses), the Local Plan, and the in-house transfer of refuse services.
'To try and review all of our services at the present time is unreal,' she said adding that she did not believe they could put any more pressure on the staff and officers at Teignbridge.
Deputy leader, Cllr Ray Frost said while it came forward with the best of intentions 'to do this would be one step beyond.'
Corporate resources vice-chairman, Cllr Roger Mewis said additional cash was required so that policies could be implemented.
'The proposal is to identify and prioritise so that we have a surplus of income and can then carry out those policies.
'We are spreading ourselves too thin. It would help us as far as the personnel and the better utilisation of them. We have to look at this as a matter or priority,' he said.
Cllr Mewis emphasised that at no point in the corporate resources committee had it been said that people would be made redundant.
'The whole aim is to prevent redundancies,' he said.
The leader, Cllr Jean Jarvis said the comprehensive performance assessment was going to be a huge amount of work this year.
'I do feel that now is not the time to carry out the review of services,' she said.
Councillors agreed to defer the matter for a group of members, including the leader and deputy leader, to consider the recommendation and report back at the end of August.