CHRISTMAS had been blighted for hundreds of Leighton Hospital workers worried about losing their jobs.

More than 300 have been re-interviewed for clerical posts they have held for years as part of a massive shake-up to save costs.

Some have subsequently been demoted into lower paid positions.

The tough measures are designed to claw back vital funds for the debt-ridden Mid Cheshire Hospitals Trust.

Despite cuts throughout the Crewe hospital, it remains more than £2 million in the red.

Chief executive Stephen Eames said: 'Supported by the trust board, I am driving forward a comprehensive programme of modernisation at the hospital which will ensure services are sustainable and fit for the future.'

But the cuts have caused concern with those asked to take part in competency based assessments, including face-to-face meetings with bosses.

One secretary, who asked not to be named, said: 'The stress of it is terrible. I know of three secretaries taking on work for six consultants. That can lead to mistakes.

'We know the hospital needs to save money, but for all this to happen just before Christmas is a disgrace.' A Unison spokeswoman said: 'The process was a necessary evil to prevent job losses. It has caused a lot of unhappiness and distress but most people are at least still in work.'

The trust says it needs to reduce its spending on clerical and administrative staff from 7% to the national re-commendation of 5%.

At the start of the financial year it was more than £3m in debt. Although savings have been made, by March 2007 it will still be £2m in debt with services still to provide and the figure rising by the day.

The staffing review has so far seen 324 clerical workers, including receptionists, medical secretaries and ward clerks, assessed on their experience and skill. A total of 24 were demoted and 38 are waiting to hear what happens after failing to hold their old jobs. Three have lost their jobs.