Wednesday 25 March 2020
Following the guidance issued on Life & Limb services and pay arrangements, I thought it would be helpful to share a number of Frequently Asked Questions that have been raised by employees, managers and the trades unions over the course of the last week.
We’ve also updated the guidance in reporting for when coronavirus (COVID-19) is preventing you from working.
Guidance for Employees
Reporting when coronavirus (COVID-19) is preventing you from working
It is important that we continue to record absences and understand the impact of coronavirus (COVID-19) on our workforce.
As we have moved to emergency service provision for our frontline services and as so many of you are also working from home, it is really important that employees continue to report to us if: they become symptomatic; someone in their household is symptomatic; or, where they are higher risk due to being over 70 years old, are pregnant or have underlying health condition in accordance with the guidance.
You do not need to contact us if you have already reported your circumstances however, if any of the circumstances above now apply to you, here is what you need to do:
You must inform your line manager immediately by phone
AND
You must then contact Anne Marie Cunningham, Team Leader – HR Operations on 0141 574 5535or annemarie_cunningham@eastdunbarton.gov.uk
If you are unable to reach Anne Marie Cunningham, the point for escalation is Leeanne Galasso, HR & OD Manager, immediately on 6018121 or externally on 0141 578 8121 or by mobile on 07825 753 813.
This applies 7 days a week, Monday to Sunday.
Up to date health guidance in relation to coronavirus (COVID-19), including the latest stay at home advice for managing and controlling the spread of the infection for you and your household, can be found on the NHS website: www.nhsinform.scot/coronavirus
Frequently Asked Questions
I have childcare issues and I am a key worker – what can I do?
- If you are a current EDC employee and you are deemed by the Council to be a key worker AND you are required to attend your place of work( i.e. you are not working from home); AND you have no other childcare options (e.g. family member who is not in the over 70s or vulnerable group category) then you will be allocated a place for your child or children. The latest information on school provision in East Dunbartonshire and how key workers should apply has been published on the website:
- If you are deemed by the Council to be a key worker and you are a resident in another Local Authority, please visit the website of your local authority for details of arrangements in the area you live.
I have updated my phone number – what should I do?
- If you have an iTrent log in you should update this in Employee Services. We would encourage all employees to make sure their contact details are up to date. This can be updated under the ’Personal’ link on Employee Self Service page.
- If you do not have access online to your records you should contact 07770745667 to update your details. This will then ensure your records are up to date.
Leave Arrangements
Should I be taking leave over this period?
- Full guidance relating to annual leave during this period will be issued early next week.
- In the meantime, you should speak directly to your line manager and all new requests for holidays will be considered based on service needs and whether or not the service can accommodate your request.
Can I cancel pre-booked annual leave as my holiday is cancelled?
- Full guidance relating to annual leave will be issued early next week.
- In the meantime, any requests to cancel holidays already booked will be held by Line Managers until such times as further guidance is issued.
Protective equipment
I work with vulnerable clients and members of the public do I need protective equipment to do this?
- We are following all NHS guidance and where appropriate, relevant protective equipment will be provided based on the specific Risk Assessments for each service area and the specific activities you will be carrying out. These are being reviewed daily as new information is received and to ensure that all measures determined remain appropriate in the circumstances.
I visit clients in their home how do I know if they are infected?
- Managers are making arrangements for clients to be contacted prior to home visits. Further guidance be will be available on the employee website in due course. In the meantime, if you have any concerns, please speak immediately to your line manager.
Does the Council have PPE in place where required?
·Yes, the Council has PPE to deal with the risk of COVID-19 and we continue to review supplies on an ongoing basis
- Risk Assessments have been carried out for each of our essential front line services to ensure that the PPE in each area is the right equipment for the jobs and activities our employees are carrying out.
- Guidance for care at home staff and other staff undertaking home visits is in place.
I am unsure of the guidance for my role, what can I do?
- You must speak to your Line Manager urgently. As mentioned above, risk assessments have been carried out for each of our essential front line services to ensure that the PPE in each area is the right equipment for the jobs and activities our employees are carrying out
Recruitment
Are recruitment arrangements still going ahead during this period?
- Normal recruitment will be suspended over this period.
- Where there is a need to fill critical posts for essential services discussion must take place with Leeanne Galssso, HR&OD Manager in the first instance.
What will happen if someone is due to start with us on a permanent or temporary basis within the next few weeks?
- Discussions will take place with managers on an individual basis to understand the needs of the service and the status of the recruitment process. This will also offer the chance to discuss any interim arrangements that should be put in place to ensure essential service delivery.
We continue to appreciate your understanding, commitment and support during this difficult and worrying time. We will continue to provide you all with regular updates and information as it becomes available, and if you have any further questions, please speak to your line manager.
Thank you
Ann Davie
Depute Chief Executive – Education, People & Business
25 March 2020