Workplace Report May 2020

Bargaining news

Council staff holiday

Council employees in England, Wales and Northern Ireland must be able to take time off to ensure their wellbeing and that of their families, according to unions and the Local Government Association (LGA). Local discussions have apparently been taking place, with some employees finding it difficult to have annual leave requests granted, and others being mandated to take leave even if they don’t want to.

Their latest Covid-19 update stresses the need for balance while critical service delivery is maintained: “Requests for absence for bereavement and compassionate reasons must be prioritised and should take precedence over non-critical flexitime or annual leave requests. However, it is necessary to balance the need for work and rest during a prolonged period”. Any new policies relating to leave (including “buying/selling” leave) should be subject to local negotiation and agreement

https://local.gov.uk/sites/default/files/documents/NJC%20Circ%20Coronavirus%20General%20Update%20%232%2015May20.pdf