Council ‘considering’ Job Retention Scheme application

The news comes after the council stated on Thursday, April 30 that 27 agency staff were to be axed after five out of the six elected groupings backed an Emergency Financial Plan.

Alliance, DUP, Independent, Sinn Fein and UUP backed the proposal on April 27, which paved the way for job losses, with the SDLP opposed.

A spokesperson for the local authority today announced that employment agencies have been asked to furlough the affected workers.

The spokesperson stated: “Having explored all options and following consultation with the trade unions, it is regrettable that 27 agency workers are deemed not essential to the operation of the council at this time and have been released.

“All affected agency workers have been contacted and the council has asked all the employment agencies to furlough these staff or offer them alternative work assignments. The council cannot furlough agency workers because only their employer can do this, and their employer is the employment agency.

“The council is currently in the process of considering an application to the Government’s Job Retention Scheme.”

This week Communities Minister Deirdre Hargey MLA welcomed the confirmation provided to the Executive that council workers can apply for Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme (CJRS).

The Sinn Fein representative said: ““This is a very difficult time for everybody. Our 11 councils provide very important functions and services, continuing to do so during this emergency and looking ahead, councils need to be ready to play their part in the economic recovery.

“I am pleased to be able to provide clarity about this issue and most importantly to ensure that council workers jobs are protected.”

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