LISTEN: 200 employees of Derry/Londonderry and Strabane District Council to be furloughed

By Peter Moor.

200 employees of Derry/Londonderry and Strabane District Council are to be furloughed.

A spokesperson for the council said: "Elected members today agreed that Council proceed with furloughing a number of its staff who may be eligible for the Furloughing scheme.

"The decision to furlough was made following confirmation earlier this week from the Department for Communities that Councils across NI could possibly avail of the scheme.

"It was agreed by Elected Members of Derry City and Strabane District Council that around 200 employees, mainly within the leisure sections and those employed on a casual basis, would be furloughed with immediate effect.

The decision to furlough staff was announced at a meeting of the council by the chief executive, John Kelpie.

He warned that other councils were likely to take similar action in the coming days.

John Kelpie

The council spokesperson also said: "Members agreed that all furloughed staff would be paid their full salary with the Council together with all existing terms and conditions of their employment .

It was outlined to members that consultation and regular communication between management, staff and unions has been proactive throughout this process and that all staff affected are being communicated with directly and reassurance provided in relation to furloughing not impacting on their current working terms and conditions.

"Furloughed staff will also be advised that under the furloughing process they must be available for work when needed as Council proceeds with its planned approach to recovery over the weeks and months ahead.