EXETER’S Green councillors are using the May Day holiday marking International Labour Day to call on Council workers in Devon and elsewhere to “Reform proof” their jobs by joining a union if they haven’t already done so.

Newly elected Green councillor on Devon County Council, Andy Ketchin, said: “Nigel Farage has pledged to impose an Elon Musk style purge of Council jobs. “Thankfully, Reform didn’t win a majority on Devon County Council, but this threat is a useful reminder that our hard-working Council staff need to “Reform proof” their jobs by joining a union, if they haven’t already done so.

“Union leaders have made a similar plea and have pledged to defend staff and uphold employment laws.”

Councillor Diana Moore, the leader of the Green group on Exeter City Council added: “Reform’s ideological Council jobs purge is dangerous. With many Councils facing financial crisis, there’s really nothing left to cut.

“Years of austerity have left council services and infrastructure stretched to the limits or axed altogether. Councils desperately need increased funding from the government not more cuts.

“People are feeling let down and disillusioned where local services can’t function properly for them.

“The government must urgently increase funding for council services, especially social care, SEND (Special Educational Needs and Disabilities), public transport and housing, to help individuals and support our communities.”