Union demands urgent lockdown talks

Trade union officials have demanded talks with Harrogate Borough Council over the future of workers facing further disruption during the second shutdown.

Unison – which represents hundreds of council employees in Harrogate – said it has concerns over venue closures, redeployment and the health and safety of staff.

More than 260 council workers were redeployed onto frontline services in March and although some have now returned to their normal roles, union officials are asking for clarity on what will happen during the next national lockdown.

David Houlgate, branch secretary at Unison Harrogate, said he has asked for an urgent meeting with council bosses.

He said:

“Unison is clear that council staff have gone the extra mile and continued to deliver vital public services through the pandemic and trust they will be able to continue to do so through this next phase.

“However, their health and safety remains paramount. Of particular concern are staff who were previously shielded.

“We are seeking clarification relating to staff who work in sport and leisure, many of whom have already been redeployed into other services. But with leisure facilities now having to close from Thursday, we need to know what will happen to the staff who have been staffing our sports services.”

Mr Houlgate said answers are also needed on the future of staff who maintain the district’s parks and if the council’s civic centre headquarters will remain open to visitors.

Council-run leisure venues in Knaresborough, Starbeck and Ripon have not reopened since first closing in March due to the lockdown and staffing and maintenance problems.

Harrogate Hydro and Nidderdale Pool had been able to reopen but staff will now face more disruption as all swimming pools and gyms must shut for at least four weeks from Thursday.

It comes as the government has pledged to invest £100m in supporting public leisure centres this winter, as part of a £1bn additional support package for local councils.

Unlike some councils, Harrogate has not furloughed any of its staff.

A council spokesman said: “We are currently having discussions regarding staffing arrangements following the latest government restrictions.”

Harrogate Borough Council has now received more than £1.9m in government support since the start of the virus outbreak which has left a £9m hole in its finances.

The authority previously said it remains in “relatively strong financial position” and that it would prioritise spending on frontline services such as bin collections and business support.

Mr Houlgate added:

“We have worked tirelessly with the council through the pandemic and we remain hopeful that, provided appropriate health and safety protocols are maintained and followed, Harrogate Borough Council will continue to deliver much needed services and support to residents and businesses in the district.”

• harrogate
• coronavirus
• furlough
• shutdown