Recruitment ‘crisis’ sparks call to work for council
The crisis is having an impact on council services
There are serious concerns over the recruitment crisis affecting local government across Gloucestershire.
Shire Hall chiefs have highlighted the impact it is having on services across the county and why they often rely on so many agency staff.
And they praised officers for the work they do while encouraging others to consider working for the authority.
They told the cabinet meeting last week that Gloucestershire County Council is a “fantastic” place to work where people can get a sense of community while delivering for residents.
Councillor Joe Harris (LD, Cirencester Park), who is responsible for highways maintenance and communication, spoke of the several crises which threaten authorities across the country.
“We have a growing crisis nationally in the workforce of councils,” he said.
“In so many of our councils we are totally reliant on agency staff for a number of reasons.
“But we talk about the funding crisis, we talk about the SEND crisis, the highways crisis and backlog but actually I’d argue the recruitment crisis is probably one of the most pressing things in local government.
“Quite often it is really tough being a council officer,” he said.
“I take my hat off to some of our officers here. Quite often we are managing decline because of the funding crisis.
“Quite often our officers get dog’s abuse. It’s understandable some of our officers may be a bit defensive. It is really, really tough and we have to recognise that.
“The message needs to go to the Government to get a grip on this.”
He said there are many crises affecting local government “but actually if we can’t get the staff to work in local government then we are all screwed”.
“It’s always frustrating when we’ve got to get agency staff in, it cost’s the taxpayer a hell of a lot of money but unfortunately it is something we need to do.
“My final message would be, come and work for the council residents!
“It’s a great place to work, we are building a great culture here.
“Lisa is an inspiring leader, we’ve got a new chief executive who is very inspiring, come and work for us – there’s all to play for here at Gloucestershire.”
He also said he is confident that whatever happens with the reorganisation of local government in the county they will hand over a great council.
“It will fold into a new unitary that will be set up well with great culture and a great place to work.”
Council leader Lisa Spivey (LD, South Cerney) agreed with his comments and thanked him for a ringing endorsement of the council
She also encouraged people to take a look at the jobs on offer on the council’s website.
“It’s a fantastic place to work where you can get that community spirit in delivering for people across Gloucestershire,” she said.