Council Warns Of Potential Disruption Due To Staff Shortages

Leicestershire County Council is warning services could be disrupted because of staff shortages caused by the Covid-19 Omicron surge.

It could include temporary closures or reduced opening hours at waste and recycling sites and some home to school and special educational needs transport services could be impacted.

The authority has also suspended its distribution of lateral flow tests, via its mobile van testing service, due to a reduced supply from the government.

It says currently most services are running as normal, including those that support vulnerable people, though staff shortages are inevitably starting to have impact on some operations.

Deputy county council leader, Councillor Deborah Taylor said: “We are taking every step we can to limit the impact of omicron on services but we are a large employer and infection rates are at their highest ever levels in Leicestershire so some disruption is unfortunately inevitable.

“So far, careful planning has allowed us to limit the impact and keep our key services going, including those supporting vulnerable people, though some changes have been necessary – and other measures may be needed in the near future.”

Residents can find the latest updates at www.leicestershire.gov.uk/services