COUNCILLORS have launched a probe into staff pay and conditions after claims that morale at Maidstone Borough Council is reaching crisis point.

A working group has been set up by the council's strategic leadership overview and scrutiny committee to explore the issue.

The decision to launch the investigation follows claims that staff are increasingly unhappy about levels of pay and the conditions in which they have to work.

High Street ward councillor Clive English (Lib Dem) told a meeting of the committee that the council risked becoming a failing authority if it didn't get to grips with the problem.

He said: "This council is reaching crisis point with the pay and conditions of staff. The fact of the matter is the cabinet has to get a grip on this. Otherwise we are not going to be able to function as a local authority over the next few years. We will be a failing authority."

Cllr English said staff in some departments had to endure poor working conditions, including "glum light" and leaking roofs.

There was also evidence of staff quitting for jobs with less responsibility but better pay at neighbouring authorities. Council leader Cllr Mick Stevens (Lib Dem) welcomed the launch of the investigation and said he would look forward to its findings.

But he said pay and conditions were regularly reviewed with new initiatives already introduced to retain key staff and attract new staff. These included flexible working hours, job sharing and cash set aside for performance related pay.