Consideration is being given as to how frontline ABC Council staff can be recognised for their sterling efforts in maintaining a ‘business as usual’ approach to the public during the Covid-19 pandemic.
DUP Councillor Darryn Causby felt that something should be done and praised in particular refuse collectors and the vital role which they have continued to play.
He made his call during the remote monthly meeting of Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council, on Monday evening.
Said Councillor Causby: “Obviously where we can have people working from home we can have them working from home.
“Ourselves, we are still remotely zooming in to council meetings whilst those on the bin lorries have not necessarily been able to socially distance but have continued to provide that service.”
And he asked: “What plan is there to recognise the service that they have given during the pandemic?”
Council chief executive Roger Wilson confirmed that the issue had been raised previously at the party leaders forum.
It was, he explained, still being considered.
Said Mr Wilson: “It was acknowledged at that particular juncture that there needed to be a way of council being able to find some way of recognising the contribution of all staff who have carried out those duties that have helped keep services going.
“There have been so many people across the organisation including frontline refuse collectors and all of those who have helped out in that way. We’ve had a range of staff helping out in food parcels and so on.
“It’s a piece of work that a number of officers are working at to see what’s the most appropriate way of recognising it. I know it’s something that’s being talked about in other councils as well.”
Further details and suggestions are expected to be brought back in due course.
