The job cuts are the first of what unions fear could be a wave of redundancies across the country as councils come under increasing pressure to cut current spending.

Under the 10-year, £250m regeneration partnership, Balfour Beatty delivers a package of services spanning regeneration, highways, transport and planning, asset management and architectural support.

Union representatives from Unison have been informed of the planned job losses and consultations with staff are underway. Balfour Beatty’s present workforce for the council stands at about 300.

It is understood that about 30 staff who are now employed by Balfour Beatty – as part of North East Lincolnshire Council’s partnership – may lose their jobs. Although Balfour said no decision has been taken as yet.

A Balfour Beatty spokeswoman said: “In liaison with North East Lincolnshire Council, Balfour Beatty is working to make savings in the delivery of the services provided to the local community.

“Naturally as part of this process, the roles required to deliver these services successfully are being reviewed.”

She added that Balfour Beatty remained committed to its previously stated objective of growing employment within the region over the term of the partnership with the local authority.

Balfour said that where possible, it always endeavoured to find alternative positions within the group or within the local council.

Marc Cole, strategic director environment, economy and housing at the council, said: “The redundancies announced by Balfour Beatty are regrettable and the council will do all we can to help those affected to find alternative employment, in line with our commitment to protect jobs in the area.

“These are times of unprecedented cuts to local authority budgets and savings have had to be made across many service areas.

“We identified savings in services delivered by Balfour Beatty as part of the medium term financial plan, which was agreed by full council in February.

“And as a result Balfour Beatty have had to look at how they can provide more cost effective services to the residents of North East Lincolnshire.”