Extra day holiday reward for staff of Angus Council causes rumpus

Angus Council’s plan to give staff an extra day holiday in recognition of their pandemic response has triggered a row after being branded costly and ill-thought-out.

Authority leader David Fairweather’s motion for the day off reward was unanimously backed by the authority’s Covid-19 special arrangements committee.

With controversy continuing to surround the make-up of the emergency decision-making body, Carnoustie councillor David Cheape has challenged the workings and cost of the bonus day.

Independent Mr Cheape said: “While I wholeheartedly applaud the efforts of many council employees in working under difficult circumstances, not all did.

“Many services struggled to operate due to employee absence. Yet all are to be rewarded with an extra day’s holiday. In one breath the administration warn of even leaner times ahead for Angus Council as a result of the costs of the pandemic but then use council money to provide additional paid holiday.

“I wrote to Councillor Fairweather asking him if he could advise me how this will be administered, particularly for teachers and school support staff.

“Although those in other fields within the council can pick and choose when they take their holidays, school teachers cannot.

“Many of them have worked tirelessly throughout this crisis.”

Council leader Mr Fairweather responded: “I find it deeply disappointing that Councillor Cheape decides to grandstand and take away what is meant to be a way of elected members thanking our staff for their magnificent efforts during this pandemic.”