The union is currently consulting with management to reduce compulsory redundancies at Sheffield Futures, which provides the youth service and Connexions service for Sheffield City Council. Ninety-five out of 360 jobs are at risk.

Unite official Harriet Eisner said: "These cuts are going to hit highly skilled youth workers and Connexions workers in Sheffield. They are also going to do untold damage to Sheffield’s communities in the future by cutting a vital frontline service to the youth of today.

"The real price will be paid by those young people we could be helping for generations to come. Sheffield families and communities who value the work are already coming to us expressing their fears for the future."

Sheffield Futures helps young people into training and into work. They also work closely with vulnerable young people, providing support to them with health, developmental and social problems.

In August, the city council announced a package of cuts resulting in over £2m being taken from this year's staffing budget.

One casualty of the cuts is the disestablishment of the city-wide Learning Difficulties and Disability Team, also known as Stepping Stone, which organises specialist youth clubs, holiday schemes and residentials for young disabled people as well as offering them advice, guidance and support on leaving school and college.

Nicola Straw, speaking on behalf of her disabled son Nathan, said: "The project had been a godsend for him and central to his life’s achievements. He just wouldn’t survive in a regular local youth club, the impact on him will be devastating. These people in charge don’t understand the damage they do. They always attack those least able to speak up for themselves. No one has consulted disabled people and their families about this. If they did, they might learn a thing or two."