A total of 13 job roles are being axed at a Chester-based housing association with a warning that more cuts may follow.
Muir Group, which has its head offices in Lightfoot Street in Hoole, says five filled posts are at risk of redundancy.
And Muir says eight currently vacant positions will also be removed from the workforce structure.
Muir chief executive Catherine Dixson said: “In the summer budget, the Government announced that housing association rents would be reduced by 1% in each of the next four years.
“The effect of this is that at the end of four years, Muir Group will have £4 million less income per annum than previously planned. As a consequence we have to reduce our costs.
“As so much of what we do involves people, it is inevitable that to reduce our costs necessarily means fewer jobs.
“It is with great regret and sadness that we find ourselves having to remove eight vacant positions from our current establishment. We are also starting consultation with a number of staff whose posts are at risk of redundancy.
“In reaching these difficult decisions we have taken into account the range of services that we offer our tenants, and will in future adopt a clear focus on statutory duties and landlord obligations with fewer added value services. However we are determined to protect core services to our tenants wherever possible.
“I must thank our staff for the way in which they have taken this upsetting news. They have continued to act responsibly and professionally to move things forward in the best interest of Muir Group and our tenants. We will be providing all staff with whatever support we can through this difficult time.
“As we continue to digest the new world that we face, we recognise that this may not be the end of the cost savings required. Where necessary we will make further savings and will do so as sympathetically as possible and consult along the way. We expect to make further announcements in the new year.
“We believe that by taking decisive action now we can assure the future of Muir Group, the best interests of our tenants and continue to deliver new additional homes”.
Eyebrows have been raised that a time of cost saving, Muir has invested £47,000 in installing roof top solar panels at its headquarters building.
Muir spokesman Gareth Jones said: “The solar PV installation reiterates our commitment to improve the environment by reducing our carbon footprint. The move towards solar energy will see us generate over 33000 kwh of clean energy per year - reducing our carbon footprint by 18,510 kg in the process.
“Whilst there is an initial capital investment required, the money Muir receives from the Government’s feed in tariffs, coupled with lower energy bills, means Muir will make significant savings over time.”
