A council is facing criticism for spending thousands on a new media officer to use Facebook and Twitter when other staff are facing pay cuts.

Brighton and Hove City Council has advertised for a social media officer to “increase visibility, build our brand and learn about our audiences by utilising social media.”

The officer, who will be hired on a six month temporary contract, will be paid an annual salary of between £24,402 and £28,353.

The move has been branded “insensitive” by opposition councillors who pointed to City Clean workers facing a pay cut of up to £8,000.

In all council bosses spend about £575,000 on spin and communications.

Green Party councillor Ben Duncan said: “It is essential the council communicates with residents but £600,000 is an awful lot of money.

“The time is not right to be spending more on media.

“Times are hard for everyone and not least for the council but City Clean workers are facing between £2,000 and £8,000 a year pay cut.

“I don't have a problem with the council spending money on PR or on embracing new media but the timing of it is insensitive.

“It is not exactly a PR victory for the council.

“This will rankle with people facing pay cuts and unemployment.”

The social media officer will use networking websites such as Facebook, Twitter and MySpace to talk about the council.

Coun Duncan added that instead of hiring new people to keep up to date with new media, the council should train existing staff.

He said: “If it is appropriate for them to be using social networking sites to improve services then it would be appropriate for existing staff to be suitably trained.

“It is a nice idea but the timing is all wrong.”

The council also produces a free newspaper, City News, at an annual cost of £126,000, which is delivered to 107,000 homes in Brighton and Hove.

A spokesman said the publication is cost neutral as the its production cost is met through advertising.

Deputy Council Leader Ayas Fallon-Khan has defended the creation of the post as a way of communicating with residents.

Coun Fallon-Khan, who is also the cabinet member responsible for council communications, said: “Social media gives us a unique opportunity to tell the council’s story direct to residents in a really authentic way, which encourages conversation and feedback. We are not able to do this simply by pumping out leaflets and press releases.

“If we can use this post to understand better what huge swathes of the city’s people want and expect in return for their council tax, then it is £12,000 well spent. It is absolutely not only about Facebook and other famous websites – but far more about having a presence in the multitude of online spaces where people talk about the council and want to hear from it.”