International Workers’ Memorial Day is commemorated each year on 28 April to remember those who have lost their lives at work.
For a number of years, the Council has held a commemoration event on the day at the Cadder Pit Disaster memorial cairn in Bishopbriggs, with Trades Union and Community Planning Partnership colleagues.
Although that will not be possible this year, as a result of the current restrictions in place to manage the impact and spread of coronavirus (Covid-19), we will be commemorating this day, and remembering especially those frontline workers who have lost their lives as a result of coronavirus (Covid-19), in the following ways:
Monday 27 April
Social Media messaging to our East Dunbartonshire communities advising the Council will be commemorating the day tomorrow, including the one minute silence
Tuesday 28 April
Joining the UK-wide one minutes silence at 11am to commemorate all frontline workers who have lost their lives in the coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic.
Social Media messaging and a reminder email to employees, in advance of 11am, advising of the silence.
Employee Support
We felt that with the focus on remembering our workforce in light of International Workers Memorial Day was a good opportunity to remind you all of the support that is available to you all during these challenging times.
There are sections on Employee Support in both the Coronavirus (Covid-19) pages on the Hub (our intranet) and also on the new Employee Zone.
The support in place includes the following:
Employee Assistance Programme
There is information on how to access our Employee Assistance Programme Time for Talking, including 24 hour helpline, website and secure online chat. There are also links to where you can get support for
Looking After Your Basic Needs
- Take care of your basic needs at work. Eat and drink regularly and healthily. Always take your break during shifts.
- Allow time for sleep, rest and respite between shifts.
- Try and stay as connected to your friends and family as much as possible via technology.
- In line with public health guidance and the measures that have been put in place by Government, maintain, where you can, your normal daily routine and a healthy diet, and get fresh air when you can.
- Think about creating a consistent routine to ensure you get the amount of sleep you need, but also about ensuring your bedroom is quiet, dark and a relaxing environment to sleep in.
Looking After Each Other
- Speak to teammates and line managers as they may be feeling the same way. It’s good to talk. Peer and social support are often the best buffers against stress and adversity.
- Look out for each other and share small successes about what’s gone well.
- Be kind to each other. This can have a profound impact on staff wellbeing.
There is also a range of information and advice from the NHS Public Health on the NHS Inform website [opens in a new window].
I’d like to thank you all once again for your support, understanding and fantastic efforts in these challenging times. I invite you all to join us in the commemorative one minute silence at 11am tomorrow (Tuesday 28 April) if you are able to do so. And finally, I hope that you and your families are staying safe and well.
Thank you
Ann Davie
Depute Chief Executive, Education, People & Business
27 April 2020