UNION bosses are hoping that a Labour government would reverse potential outsourcing moves which are set to be announced by Burnley Council.

Town hall chiefs need to save £3million before 2016-17 - with further job losses not being ruled out - and are set to confirm this week which services may be farmed out to an external company.

In a similar way property services are handled for Pendle Council by Liberata and Capita manages a range of administrative functions for Blackburn with Darwen Council.

But the procurement and tendering process, including advertising for possible partners in the European Journal, is expected to mean new appointments will not begin until early 2016.

And union leaders are hopeful that a change of power may signal a better deal for Burnley and a number of hard-pressed East Lancashire authorities.

Peter Thorne, branch secretary for Unision at Burnley Council, said: “From our point of view we will be looking at the results of the General Election next year.

“The Labour Party has already said that it will examine the depth of cuts being made and they will look at spending in areas where it is most needed.”

Mr Thorne said that the unions would play a full part in further consultations.

This year the borough council has already lost of number of managers, following a review of senior posts, and other staff, as part of their ongoing Change Programme, which had already resulted in savings of £1.75million.

A Burnley Council spokesman said: “The first part of the Change Programme will be to procure a strategic partner who will be commissioned to provide a broad range of key council services.

“The primary purpose being to deliver savings to contribute to future financial pressures. Potential partners will also be asked for their ideas on how technology could be used to improve services, how jobs could be protected and how they could assist the council in building on its success for economic development and creating local jobs.”