Council staff take on new roles during crisis

The Covid- 19 outbreak has seen a massive redeployment of staff across West Lothian as the council responds to new demands.

And as the biggest employer in the county the fightback against the outbreak has become one at the heart of the community.

Leader of the council Lawrence Fitzpatrick said that one of the areas discussed frequently in recent weeks is the high number of staff who are now working in roles that only a few weeks ago would never have been considered. The council is West Lothian’s largest employer with over 8000 members of staff and a huge amount of planning has gone into the management of this redeployment process

Councillor Fitzpatrick said: “Across the council, many of our staff have been deployed into different roles and we’ve seen them carrying out key functions – working in care homes, delivering meals and prescriptions, collecting waste.

“We have hundreds of members of staff who are now redeployed and have stepped into roles that ensure that your local council can continue to maintain critical services. Many of these individuals have now joined colleagues already working in these key roles to ensure that vulnerable people are being looked after and cared for.”

Councillor Fitzpatrick added: “This team effort is, for me, very moving and in such challenging times, inspiring to hear. I feel a great deal of pride in being associated with them and I’d like to thank them all. Many people have been in touch to offer their thanks to our dedicated workforce. I know that the feedback received is hugely appreciated.

“I would like to say a final thank you to everybody who is adhering to the social distancing advice. I know it isn’t easy but you are helping protect your fellow citizens and helping get the country through this time.

“The vast majority of us are listening and following the advice from the medical experts and that in itself is, collectively, a tremendous achievement.

“Thank you to you all.”