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‘Temporary’ council worker employed
for eight years
THE council has come under fire after it emerged that a “temporary” worker has been employed in the transport department for almost eight years.
The Labour Group hit out at Westminster Council accusing them of devious cost cutting after a report to the finance scrutiny committee uncovered the issue.
The worker, whose name has not been disclosed, has been employed since May 2000.
The report also showed four other “temporary” staff members have been employed in the planning and city development department for more than four years.
Councillor Paul Dimoldenberg, leader of the Labour Group, said: “When I first read the report I thought it must be a printing error, but it is true, the council have been employing someone as a ‘temporary’ worker for almost eight years and there are four ‘temporary’ staff in the planning department who have been employed by the council for more than four years.
“None of these jobs require skills that are in short supply.
“It is a crazy situation which makes the council look silly. The council spends over £21 million a year on temporary staff and it looks as if there are considerable savings to be made by making more of these temporary staff full-time employees.”
According to the report, in the past year the council spent £21.6 million a year on temporary staff – with 160 suppliers classed as from employment and recruitment agencies.
Graham White, director of human resources, said: “In all cases, every effort is made to minimise the use of temporary staff.
“A flexible arrangement is often mutually beneficial for Westminster in order to meet business requirements and for the agency worker, who wants to retain their own flexibility.
“The council cannot comment on the circumstances of individual employees.” |
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