More than 22,000 council workers have been lost in Wales since 2012, official figures show.

According to the Office of National Statistics, fourteen years ago there were 149,393 people employed by local authorities in the region

By 2026, the number had plunged to 127, 380, a drop of more than 22,000 – 15 per cent of the total headcount.

The figures emerge as GMB Trade Union delegates discuss cuts to Local Authority budgets at TUC’s annual congress.

Will Dalton, GMB National Officer, said: “Local government workers are absolutely essential for a healthy, thriving country.

“They help our children learn, clear away our rubbish, look after our loved one and keep our green spaces clean.

“To lose 15 per cent of them has torn the heart out of our communities and shows the damage austerity did to the country.

“If the Prime Minister wants to make good on his promise to give power and prosperity to every post code, well-funded councils with well paid workers must come first.”