Public urged to respect workers performing essential tasks across Leeds

Members of the public are being asked to support and respect the officers and contractors currently carrying out essential works across the city.

This comes after reports earlier this week of workers being verbally abused as they carried out tasks needed to support vital services across Leeds.

Essential work is being carried out by the council to help ensure that residents remain safe. Examples of the vital tasks being performed by these essential workers include:

• Caring for older people in their homes
• Emergency house repairs
• Essential road repairs to ensure supplies can get through
• Delivering the meals on wheels service
• Continuing the collection of black and green bins

Workers are taking all necessary precautions in line with current Government advice, including around social distancing.

Leeds City Council is continually reviewing its workplace policies to ensure they reflect Government guidance, already enabling half of its officers to work from home. Earlier this week, the Government introduced restrictions on movement, with key workers still being able to travel and work as needed.

Some employees will also be carrying out works which may not be considered urgent but cannot be carried out from home. In these instances, assessments have been conducted to make sure these activities can be carried out safely in line with the social distancing guidance.

Leader of Leeds City Council, Councillor Judith Blake, said:

"We are doing everything we can to keep the public and our staff safe and well during these unprecedented times. I want to extend a huge thank you to all those currently performing essential work in communities across the city to ensure our vital services can keep running.

"At this time, we want to urge the public to support and respect these workers as their tireless work is key to keeping our city running."

For up-to-date information on council support and services in Leeds, visit

www.leed.gov.uk/coronavirus. All the latest information for businesses can be found at www.leeds.gov.uk/coronavirus/business

ENDS

Leeds City Council Press Office - for media enquiries only

0113 378 6007