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Wednesday 25 March 2020

Message from Chief Executive Tracey Lee

Dear Colleagues,

We are currently experiencing some very challenging times in relation to the coronavirus pandemic.

The position is changing rapidly, with the Government now making daily announcements and we will need to be able to respond quickly to these changes, while implementing our plans and making local decisions.

Our weekly Staff News bulletin is being used as a round-up of the most update information on our response to the coronavirus crisis as well as signposting you to all the relevant links and information we have available.

Please take some time to read the special Coronavirus Team Talk update.

WATCH Team Talk now

Thank you all so much for your support and for your understanding during this challenging time.

Take care and please stay safe.

Tracey Lee
Chief Executive

Workforce Bureau launched

We have set up a workforce bureau to help us to make sure we are in a position to continue to provide essential services to our city during the coronavirus outbreak.

We have closed a number of services and some employees will be or has been displaced and unable to carry out their usual roles.

The Bureau will be able identify areas where capacity can be created and where need exists so that employees can be deployed to cover and support critical services whilst others may volunteer to undertake different roles/duties as needed.

The situation is changing rapidly day-by-day and we are asking staff to be as understanding and flexible as possible in the coming weeks.

Find out more 

Follow advice on social distancing 

Even though the majority of our staff are now working from home where possible, there is recognition that some of our key people will still have to travel to work and deliver essential services such as:

• work essential to safeguard and protect the most vulnerable where face-to-face contact is necessary, and support cannot happen remotely. 
• where being at your place of work is essential to maintain the Council’s infrastructure, particularly its digital infrastructure; and safety critical work
• work within a resilience structure where personal presence is essential, and staff involved in enforcing the closure of non-essential businesses.

For those of you working in these services, please remember to follow the social distancing guidelines from government wherever possible.

Read the guidlines

COVID-19 signposting page

As well as updating the main Staff Room pages with all the latest Government guidance. We have created a dedicated COVID-19 signposting page.

The page features links to the latest guidance for employees, useful links and manager guidance. There is also a page to help support your wellbeing during these challenging times.

Visit the COVID-19 signposting page

Council Tax discount announced for those on low or no income

Anyone of working age and on Council Tax Support will get £150 discount off their Council Tax bill for 2020/21.

We have been working flat out to ensure those most economically vulnerable will get as much as help as possible during the COVID-19 crisis.

Find out more 

Help for city businesses

Plymouth’s businesses will now be able to apply for financial support to help get them through the current uncertainties. We are writing to all businesses eligible to receive grants so they can urgently access financial help as soon as possible - with the ambition of making most payments within the next two weeks.

Find out more

Keeping you up to date

As you know the situation around coronavirus is changing rapidly.

We are updating our main website with all the latest advice and information from the government and important information for residents on our key services. 

Please make sure you tell friends and family to visit our page for updates.

Vist our website now