Council to ‘re-engage’ full-time agency workers until the end of furlough

Last week, Ald McDonald expressed concern initially about the fate of agency workers employed by the council that furlough had not been extended.

In an open letter to the council’s chief executive, which he shared on social media, last week. the councillor said: “In some cases these employees have been in the employment – albeit indirectly – of the council for ten years or more.

“We are all Covid-19 weary but one day this will come to an end. Until that day comes it is important that we protect as many jobs as possible.”

In a later statement on social media, Ald McDonald said: “This issue was discussed at the group party leaders’ meeting last week.

“it was decided that following the Chancellor’s extension of the furlough scheme full-time agency staff would be re-engaged until the end of the scheme.

“This is a tough time for everyone and sadly I do not believe that council will be immune to job cuts which will be inevitable in public sector as well as the private but I am pleased that the council has decided to utilise the furlough scheme for agency workers while the option remains.”

A total of 212 of the council’s own staff are furloughed at present.

Mid and East Antrim is one of five local authorities in Northern Ireland which are expected to experience the biggest impact economically from the Covid-19 crisis.

A spokesperson for Mid and East Antrim Borough Council, said: “Following the Chancellor’s extension of the furlough scheme, members at the group party leaders’ meeting decided to re-engage full-time agency staff until the end of the scheme.

“Be assured, this council is doing all it can to minimise the risk of complusory redundancies in the future.”

Michelle Weir, Local Democracy Reporter

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