Almost 50 posts are being axed at Essex County Council after the introduction of a new computer system.

Councillors say 45 jobs in human resources will be scrapped during a shake-up in its payroll department.

Around half the losses have already been achieved by not filling existing vacancies.

But compulsory redundancies have not been ruled out. They are expected to cost the council more than £1m.

The cuts are being blamed on a new computerised payroll system which should save the council money in the long-run.

The department processes wages for organisations such as the police and schools, as well as council staff.

The job cuts will come over the next couple of years.

Published Tuesday August 17, 2004

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