The Leader of Milton Keynes Council has asked the government to add those who provide critical local services to a list of essential workers that are exempt from self-isolation.
A string of council services such as waste, adult day care and children’s centres have been struck by 'Pingdemic' in recent days, with food and garden waste services having to be paused from Monday.
The government are reportedly drawing up a list of key workers who may not have to self-isolate in an emergency if double jabbed or if daily testing is involved.
Sky News announced today (23/7) that food supply chain staff will now be exempt from isolation so long as they commit to daily testing, It comes after the Government announced moves to protect food stocks but so far that is the only job on the exempt list.
Leader of Milton Keynes Council, Peter Marland wrote to the Secretary of State on Tuesday (20/7) for Local Government, to ask that they consider council staff be considered for the list.
Councillor Peter Marland said: “The rising number of people with Covid-19 and those having to self-isolate is putting a huge strain on a number of services. Many of the services Milton Keynes Council provide are essential.
“We are doing everything we can to limit staff absences, but I believe that the government should acknowledge the critical role local councils play in delivering essential services.
"Other agencies such as police, fire and the NHS are rightly lauded for their efforts, but collecting waste, making sure vulnerable people are looked after, and being prepared for incidents such as flooding are essential services too. Local authority workers, and those who provide services for us, are key-workers too.
“It is not just Milton Keynes Council or local authorities. Many essential services are hanging by a thread. It was all predictable and the current situation is chaotic. I hope we can get through this without a catastrophic failure during an emergency.
"I don’t think I can impress enough just how much of a knife-edge things are on at the moment, and it is not something I’d ever say lightly. The government must act and get a grip.”
READ MORE - Food and Garden waste service in Milton Keynes paused from Monday
Milton Keynes Council struck by 'Pingdemic' as services get suspended
