Lancaster City Council staff given extra three days off in recognition of 'positive spirit, flexibility and sheer hard work' during Covid-19 pandemic

The city council had initially suggested two extra days, but councillors voted to provide three at a Personnel Committee meeting last week.

More than 300 Lancaster City Council staff have also been given an extra £100 per month in honorariums during the pandemic if they work on the front line or have been asked to change job roles.Coun Dr Erica Lewis, Leader of Lancaster City Council, said: “The response by the council’s staff towards the stresses and strains associated with the coronavirus pandemic has been nothing short of outstanding.

“They have played a vital role in supporting vulnerable people and businesses, all while proving to be highly adaptable with more than 300 taking up new temporary roles to respond to the needs of the community.

“The speed that lockdown was introduced saw makeshift workstations hastily being cobbled together in kitchens, bedrooms and anywhere there was a space to work.

“Many also had to juggle work with childcare responsibilities and trying to home school children, as well providing help to their own extended families and elderly relatives.

“Crucially, and unlike some other councils, they have not allowed this to affect the delivery of frontline services and the incredibly low rate of absenteeism has seen priority areas such as waste and recycling being maintained without disruption.

“We asked staff to pull out all the stops and they did just that, working long hours and taking on extra responsibilities for the good of the communities they serve.

“Local government staff have had a real terms pay cut over the last ten years.

"In the absence of being able to improve pay and conditions more generally on a permanent basis, which would be a national decision, we are providing a few extra days leave to allow staff to make up the time they lost with their families.”