A London council informed union reps yesterday that pay for the facility time spent representing their colleagues would be axed with immediate effect.

Union representatives in public services are, by tradition and agreement, allowed time during working hours to carry out vital work on issues such as health and safety, representing members in difficulty and negotiating settlements when disputes arise.

But Tory-run Bromley ­Borough Council told representatives from the Unite and Unison unions that facility time payments would end immediately due to local budget cuts — sparking fears that other councils across the country could follow suit, starting with Barnet Council in north London.