Environmental health worker says more support needed to help them through pandemic
It's after over 1000 workers visited hospitality venues over the weekend following stricter regulations.
An environmental health worker is telling Clyde News they need more resources to be able to do their jobs properly during the pandemic.
Unison convener Trisha McLeish says her colleagues have visited more than 1000 hospitality businesses since Friday.
Strict new rules mean most licensed venues across the central belt are closed temporarily.
Trisha, who works in health and safety as an environmental health technical officer for Glasgow City Council, said: "Since March, the pressures on not just my job but my members' jobs in environmental health have magnified - I'd say 100%.
"When the legislation changed, our members and our officers worked tirelessly to compile lists.
"As a result over the weekend there has been over 1000 visits to premises to ensure they're complying with the new legislation."
Glasgow city council is now recruiting more officers - but Trisha says they've been needed for a long time.
She said: "The jobs that have been advertised are welcomed by Unison.
"We've been waiting for these posts since March to help with our already overburdened members' workload.
"It's a pity that it's taken a global pandemic to realise the worth of environmental health sections."
A spokesman for Glasgow City Council said: “Our Environmental Health and Trading Standards staff have a pivotal role during the pandemic and their focus has been on the COVID response.
"Our staff have been exceptional, enforcing COVID legislation and providing advice across the city to businesses, workplaces, the hospitality and education sectors to name but a few.
"With the new restrictions coming into force on 9th October, staff responded accordingly, carrying out inspections and visits across the hospitality sector in what is a time sensitive piece of work.
"A recruitment process is currently underway for additional officers to deal with the COVID response. Our enforcement staff have been equipped with mobile devices for a number of years now and a replacement programme is about to commence."
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