Council frontline staff in line for bonus

Cookstown North Community Group members Agnes McCracken (left) and Hazel McKenzie are pictured presenting vouchers to two Mid Ulster District Council refuse collectors. A group spokesperson said they wanted to say "a big thank you" from us for their continued work through this difficult time. They added: "We purchased vouchers for Huchinsons butchers, Tesco and Finches Spar shop. We would also like to thank Alan Boyle at ATB Car Wash who gave us an extremely generous discount on a mini valet."

The proposal, to award frontline council’s staff’s effort during lockdown was discussed during the confidential business section of Council’s policy and resources committee meeting earlier this month.

Speaking to the Local Democracy Reporting Service, Sinn Fein Councillor Dominic Molloy, said he was disappointed news of the recognition had leaked but is nonetheless proud Council will be rewarding these workers for their efforts.

“It is disappointing that it has leaked out when it is not fully finalised,” said Cllr Molloy.

“That can sometimes raise expectations and ultimately lead to people being disappointed with the end result but it is out there now.

“It was a report brought forward by council officers and I proposed that we move ahead with it. It is vital that we recognise the hard work of council staff who have worked on the frontline throughout this crisis collecting the bins and cutting the grass etc…”

While it was agreed that these members of staff should receive some form of recognition, the amount they are to receive is yet to be decided.

However, Councillor Molly believes this is merely a formality that will be resolved soon.

“The exact value of the recognition is still to be decided, and I guess that is why I am disappointed it has leaked, it is important recognition of our frontline staff but we can’t put a figure on it just yet,” said Cllr Molloy.

“I don’t know when exactly it will be finalised but I would be very surprised if it is not sorted by the first week of July in time for the next meeting of the policy and resources committee.”