Covid has seen welcome return of workers’ initiative

OVER the past six months the Council, health services, key workers in our shops, and many voluntary groups have worked together to help anyone in need during this difficult time.

We can all be proud of the hard work and dedication that has taken place.

This can-do approach is one of the positives to come out of the Covid crisis, through which we have all had to and still continue to endure.

Recently I read an interesting article by Sir John Timpson of the Timpson Group, a business that believes in giving its workers the freedom to use their initiative, and also provides work opportunities for ex-offenders and prisoners on day release, and believes that the people working on the front line are in the most important role, with head office there only to provide support, but not to tell the experts in the field how to do their job.

Recently Sir John said: “The pandemic has caused many organisations to turn their management style upside down.

“The stifling policy making and processes of command and control were getting in the way of front line colleagues, and didn’t allow the flexibility needed in a crisis.

“Suddenly individuals mattered much more, and because they have been given trust and respect, work has been done quicker and colleagues are getting more job satisfaction.”

Social carers, teachers, key workers, hospital staff have done an amazing job, with many doctors, nurses and support teams feeling free to use their initiative to get things done.

With less time for traditional command and control management, public services haven’t been hampered with rigid pathways laid down in a distant office.

I am sure we all agree and hope, that when the crisis is over Central Management Teams will continue to operate in this way.

Sadly the virus is still with us, and we have been part of greater restrictions for some time.

We must do all we can to prevent the kind of measures that Bolton has had to deal with, and the hospitality sector (including pubs) had to close to help bring the virus under control, we do not want Rochdale suffering the devastating effect this has on the local economy.

I urge everyone to please social distance, wash your hands regularly, wear face coverings in all shops and public places, and get tested if you have symptoms.

It is only by us working together and following the rules and guidelines, regardless of the irresponsible actions of a small minority, some sadly in high profile public life, they too should be fined.

I am sure we will get through this and by working together, we can and will defeat this virus.