A massive backlog of benefit claims cannot be dealt with by stressed Copeland council staff following job losses, claim union officials.

Copeland Council workers held a second half-day strike today to highlight the falling quality of services caused by cuts.

The Unison union believes more than 500 claims or enquiries regarding benefits, council tax and debt recovery are outstanding, and is warning that members of the public could get into financial trouble if issues are not addressed.

It is calling for mayor Mike Starkie to urgently employ more staff, claiming redundancies over the past two months have caused delays and stress for remaining benefits, revenues and customer services staff.

But Mr Starkie said the majority of staff realise the council needs to “operate more cost effectively” and Copeland had been “living beyond its means”.

Jenny Martin, regional organiser for Unison North West, said: “We want to raise public awareness to depleted services. We want the council to talk to us, whatever the mayor says about us being disengaged is disingenuous.

“When it comes to benefits, the backlog can affect how much people are entitled to. If they are overpaid then they have to pay that money back. Changes to council tax being delayed could mean people don’t get a discount or exemption and end up in arrears.

“It will only get worse and the public are already feeling the effects.

It says it wants the council to work with staff through the Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service – an independent organisation which resolves disputes between companies and workers – but cannot rule out further strike action.

A union representative said: "Morale is at rock bottom and stress levels are through the roof.

“We never should have lost the staff we did, the cuts were too severe. Redundancies were voluntary, but some felt they had to go so colleagues would keep their job.”

However Mr Starkie, who previously said Unison had been “disengaged” for four years, said: “Contrary to what Unison are claiming there will be no impact on the quality of service provided. There is significant investment into IT to help the council run like a modern 21st century business.

“Following my election we carried out a root and branch review of finances and we found there was £13m less than had been stated in the council accounts. The council was living beyond its means.

“The reality is the strike is not supported by the majority of staff.”

Today’s walk-out saw staff form a picket line outside the council’s Market Place offices in Whitehaven.