First revealed in October, the proposals could see around 380 employees in the local authority’s construction and house maintenance departments have their contracts taken over by the firm.

The council has now started a consultation process but UCATT, which represents about 200 staff working in the housing maintenance department, has opposed the move.

The union said past history of outsourcing has generally led to redundancies and a significant worsening of worker pay and conditions.

Steve Dillon, UCATT Scotland regional secretary, said: “We are against outsourcing of staff members from any local authority to an outside body. We would always rather bring staff in-house. Outsourcing has the risk of job losses, down-sizing and poorer working conditions. There’s a consultation period. It is up to our members how they decide to vote. Regardless, we will back them to the hilt.”