Coronavirus Staff Update, 27 March
Updated 27/03/2020
With all the info out there about Covid-19, we're starting regular updates for colleagues, setting out the latest measures being introduced by the council, explaining various employment issues and sign-posting you to where you can check for the latest service disruption.
Social distancing
Government advice on social distance should be observed by all, regardless if you're in the workplace or not. If you're out about during your work, or travelling to work, you can show your council ID badge to Police Scotland, and explain what your role is as a key worker, if you're stopped and questioned. Police Scotland are supportive of this.
Employee Assistance Programme
An extension of the employee assistance programme - Time for Talking - has been approved. This is a worrying time for many of us; our families may have their income affected, the toll of worrying about loved ones, and the sudden change in routine, from stopping work altogether for the time being, to adapting to homeworking while juggling the kids being at home.
Whatever you're worried about, please use this service. It's free, anonymous and available 24/7. We've extended the provision for at least the next three months. Find out more on the interchange.
Pay
If you're not at work, either because you're caring for someone or following government guidance to self-isolate, you'll receive normal pay. For those without standard hours (relief or supply staff, for example) we're working to make sure you receive normal pay without you needing to submit a timesheet - there's more work to do on this, so we'll keep you posted.
Supporting critical services
We've prioritised our services to make sure we're continuing to provide essential services, this is why many of you may have been asked to go home. However we're matching your skills to shortages in critical services areas and we may ask you to work in another service for a temporary period.
HR will be in contact directly with you, if this is the case. We're also looking to set up a way for colleagues to volunteer to support critical services, so you can choose the role you want to take on. We'll be in touch with more info when this is available.
Just so you know, if you're redeployed through either of these ways to support critical services, you'll receive your normal pay, or the pay for the role you're taking on - whichever is higher.
Staff car parking
All charges for Moray Council pay-and-display car parks have been suspended until further notice. This includes the staff car parks at the Annexe and Greyfriars Street.