VOLUNTARY early retirements given to Bolton Council staff have fallen in the last 12 months.

There were eight employees granted early retirement so far this year, compared with 27 last year.

They have cost £226,800 at present and are expected in future years to cost a total of more than £700,000.

Ill-health retirements have also fallen to 50 this year, compared with 111 last year, and they are expected to cost a fund which Bolton Council pays into £1.6 million.

The details were due to be presented to councillors at a personnel sub committee meeting today. There was criticism last year about the high levels of voluntary and ill health retirements. Cllr Peter Johnston, committee chairman, said: "The figures are coming down in the right direction.

"In previous years, we were faced with staff reductions to meet budget cuts.

"But this has not been the case in the last 12 months.

"Ill health retirements are something we cannot predict.

"We do also offer ill-health re-deployment as an alternative where people may not be able to do one job, but another in the authority may be suitable."

But Tory deputy leader Cllr John Walsh said: "The trend may be moving in the right direction, but it is also important that the local authority does not become complacent about this and these figures do need to be checked regularly."

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