The council has started a review of its maintenance department and 68 workers have been warned their jobs are at risk.

The teams look after the construction of government-funded road safety schemes, council-funded minor highway maintenance and bus lane improvements.

The council said up to 27 posts may go. Staff and unions are being consulted.

A spokesman told the BBC: “The 68 members of the two teams were informed last month that they were formally under review and the detailed situation was explained verbally at a meeting this week.

“Unfortunately, due to the reduction in funding from the government the two teams can no longer continue to function as they once did and changes will have to be made, including a reduction in staff.

“At the worst, this will mean a loss of 27 posts.

“However, as it was explained to staff and union representatives who were present, all efforts are concentrated in taking a range of actions, such as maximising workload, efficiency savings, redeployment, changing working practices and staff taking up the offer of voluntary early retirement or severance, with the intention that this figure will not be needed.”

The spokesman said final decisions would be made towards the end of the year.

Birmingham council is also shedding 79 jobs at its planning and regeneration department.