MORE than 140 Barnet Council staff will start industrial action next week over proposed privatisation of several departments .

People working in the regulatory services department, which includes trading standards, licensing, planning and cemeteries will stop answering calls, attending meetings and other support work.

However, the action by Unison workers which starts on Wednesday and could last several weeks, is being targeted at councillors rather than the general public.

They are angry at plans to outsource the department’s functions under the One Barnet or easyCouncil project, saying they want to remain employed by the council directly.

Vicky Easton, Unison head of local government in London, attacked the plans saying they have cost more money than they have saved so far.

She added: “Many council workers are Barnet residents too, they won’t just stand aside and watch the council take a wrecking ball to local services.

“This department is well run and staff want to remain directly employed by the council. We’ve tried to negotiate, we’ve presented the council with alternative proposals, but they stubbornly refuse to listen.

“Staff do not take action lightly, but they’ve tried everything else - they have no other choice.

“The action starting next week will cause maximum disruption for councillors and for their agenda, but have a minimum impact on the public. We remind the employers they could avoid action by getting into talks.”