A cash crisis could mean job losses at County Hall as council chiefs launch a major organisational shake-up.
Essex County Council is launching a recruitment freeze in some areas in a bid to save money.
It is also carrying out an "extensive review" of all services to see where cuts can be made.
Council chiefs are spending more than £1 million on consultants to decide where the axe falls.
They blame the Government for not providing a big enough financial handout this year.
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