Planning: "Barnet shortlists two firms to take over planning work"

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"A council document leaked on a local blog has revealed that Capita was scored highest of the bidding companies. The document said: 'Capita Symonds is the clear leader in this evaluation.'

"Trade union UNISON, which represents almost 90 per cent of the council's planning and regeneration staff, said its members were worried about the transfer to a private firm.

"Barnet UNISON branch secretary John Burgess said a survey by the union of the council's planners showed that 91 per cent are looking for jobs elsewhere."