“Across the country, councils and their staff - are on the frontline in the battle against this disease"
Responding to local government workers being classed as critical workers, Cllr James Jamieson, Local Government Association Chairman, said:
“We are pleased that government has heard our call to class local government staff as critical workers. This is justified recognition of the vital local role they are playing to try and minimise the spread of infection, protect the most vulnerable, support our local businesses and bring together our communities.
“Across the country, councils and their staff - including social workers, transport drivers, community coordinators, public health officials and refuse collectors - are on the frontline in the battle against this disease. Other staff such as planners, and administrative support workers are now being refocused to support those efforts in communities or provide the back-office capacity that is needed.
“Working day and night they will all continue supporting communities through this crisis, acting as a fourth emergency service and stepping up to the unprecedented challenge we face as a nation.”
NOTES
The LGA is constantly liaising with Public Health England and the Government regarding the evolving situation with the outbreak of the coronavirus, raising issues on behalf of our member councils. Our Covid-19 online hub features the latest information for councils and is regularly updated.