Letter thanks council staff for efforts

Perth and Kinross Council staff working to tackle the coronavirus outbreak have been thanked by every elected member.

In a letter signed by all councillors, staff were told “it has become clear how many council services really are vital to our communities”.

Around 5000 council workers have been moved to working from home while officers have been redeployed.

The people of Perth and Kinross are also thanked for adhering to government advice.

The letter, which we have printed in full on our letters page, states: “Officers working in services which are not one of the 18 essential designated services have come forward to be redeployed, delivering food and medication, re-training to provide social care, or joining our waste crews.

“Looking at the people willingly stepping up to do what they can to help others makes us truly proud to be part of a council that puts public service first and foremost.

“Many of our staff and councillors are also volunteering in their own communities, and we would also like to thank the very many community organisations and individuals who are helping to support vulnerable people across Perth and Kinross.

“Also, a thank you to everyone continuing to follow government advice; only making essential journeys for work or food and medication; taking daily exercise and adhering to social distancing. All your efforts are helping to keep people in our communities healthy and well.

“This crisis has shown what we can achieve working together.

“Everyone is doing what they can – including those who have to stay at home, to protect their own health, when they would rather be out helping.

“Every bin emptied, every emergency payment processed, every food parcel delivered, every person helped to wash and dress themselves, and every nonessential trip avoided, all add up.”