Council workers get day off

Monday, September 19 will be a national day of mourning and both the UK and Scottish Governments have agreed for it to be a bank holiday to allow individuals, businesses, and other organisations to pay their respects to Her Majesty.
However, there is no statutory entitlement to time off and councils can choose to recognise the event by either granting a day off work on Monday – or an additional day of annual leave.
At a special council meeting held on Tuesday, councillors agreed to allowing the majority of the 6500 workforce the day off on Monday, but it was acknowledged that some workers will have to take leave on another date instead.
Mike Shepley, the council’s head of people and transformation, said: “Anybody who is required to work to deliver essential services – and has previously been the case – will be asked to work.
“That discussion will take place between the individual and their line manager. Wherever possible, outwith essential services, then council services will be closed for the day for mourning on September 19.”
Annandale South Councillor Ian Carruthers asked if roads and refuse workers would be classed as essential workers, saying that employees from these departments had been in touch with him and were eager to ensure they could take the day off.
He said: “Some of the are very keen to take the day off to mourn.
“Some feel they’ll be forced to work. I think we should look to accommodate every member of staff that we possibly can.”
Mr Shepley replied that no member of staff will be “made or forced” to work on Monday.
A report tabled at Tuesday’s special meeting also provided more information for workers who do step up and provide essential services on Monday.
It reads: “They will receive an additional day of leave which can be taken in lieu during the current leave year, with line manager approval. Clearly adequate cover arrangements would need to be maintained.
“Legislation ensures that part-time employees are not treated less favourably than their full-time colleagues and as such would be entitled to this extra leave on a pro-rata basis if they are scheduled to work on that day.”
People on sick leave are not entitled to recompense, however women on maternity leave would accrue this additional day’s holiday.
Council workers who don’t normally work Mondays as part of their flexible working arrangements, and are therefore not contractually required to work on that day, will not be given an additional leave day in lieu.
Meanwhile, the Scottish Government confirmed that schools and colleges will close across the country so that staff and pupils can pay their respects.