Twenty library staff are leaving but none have been made compulsorily redundant, Kirklees Council has confirmed.

The controversial reconfiguration of Kirklees libraries was agreed last year as the council sought to cut £1.8m from the budget.

At the time, it was reported that up to 100 jobs could be lost.

But as the changes begin to come in, the council has confirmed no compulsory redundancies have been required.

The council said 20 staff were leaving voluntarily at the end of March and 14 were moving to different roles.

Clr Graham Turner, cabinet member for resources, said he was delighted that no-one had been forced out.

He said: “A lot of people have taken alternative jobs in the council and some have been re-assigned.

“I’m very pleased we’ve been able to avoid compulsory job losses.”

READ MORE: Museum visits plunge by almost three million - but National Coal Mining Museum sees large increase in visitors

READ MORE: Community library opened at Sun Inn

Video Loading

Two of the council’s 26 libraries have now been closed for good.

Thornhill Lees and Lepton have shut their doors recently with the latter moving some of its stock into the local pub, The Sun Inn.

The mobile library service has also finished with the council saying it will try and sell the six vehicles it owns.

Another change has seen Holmfirth Tourist Information centre move into the library and a new home service launched.

But changes to the structure of the remaining 24 libraries will not be enacted until September.

Some will have reduced opening hours and will be mostly operated by volunteers.

Only eight will be completely run by Kirklees employees – Huddersfield, Dewsbury , Batley , Cleckheaton , Mirfield , Birstall, Heckmondwike and Holmfirth .