SIR – The Department of Transport has wasted thousands of pounds making almost 2,000 staff re-apply for their jobs.

Fifty were told they were surplus to requirements, but would not be made redundant and could stay until they got other work.

Then, lo and behold, the department said they needed to fill 90 new positions. So instead of letting the 50 retain their jobs permanently and recruiting 40 new staff, they are going to pay 140 salaries. The mind boggles!

David Rhodes, Croscombe Walk, Bradford