City schools are facing a staff walkout over the threat of job cuts as headteachers struggle to cope with a financial crisis.

Unison, which represents teaching assistants, caretakers, clerical workers and cleaners, said redundancies were likely because Brighton and Hove had been left with a severe shortfall in its education budget.

The union has issued an ultimatum, saying members will go on strike if any of them lose their jobs as a result of the funding problems.

Unison representatives are considering taking legal action against Brighton and Hove City Council, accusing it of failing to carry out a full consultation with trade unions.

They said many schools were already facing severe budget problems and warned some were considering making staff redundant.

Unison branch secretary Alex Knutsen said: "The council now appears to be conducting industrial relations via the media in a completely chaotic manner and therefore placing jobs at risk.

"It is our belief all redundancies can be avoided with proper early planning and measures that ensure the continued employment of staff.

"Unison's record in Brighton and Hove is second to none. There have been no compulsory redundancies.

"This year will be no different and we will defend our members' livelihoods by all means at our disposal."

Mr Knutsen said redundancies were looking more likely because of the financial crisis.

Money from the South is being redistributed to other authorities in the North and this has left schools in Brighton and Hove with an estimated combined debt of £10 million.

The Government has pledged an extra £1.5 million for city schools but that does not make up the deficit.

Mr Knutsen said: "Lots of schools borrowed heavily last year but now there is nowhere for them to go and they simply cannot keep up with rising costs.

"We don't want to ballot or strike but if we are pushed into a corner because the council won't consult with us then we will take action."

Mr Knutsen also criticised the council for advertising for permanent staff at the college at a time when the school was facing closure.

A council spokesman said: "With more than 70 schools, it is not surprising changes in staffing take place, up as well as down.

"Headteachers and the council have an excellent record in avoiding redundancies. We have good processes for addressing staffing issues, involving consultation with staff and unions in schools, and these are working well.

"We are also actively promoting systems to move staff to other schools where possible to avoid redundancy."