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10
Aug 2023
Council unaware of 'significant staff shortages' despite union concern
North Yorkshire Council has said it is unaware of “significant staff shortages” despite concerns from union officials.
Dave Houlgate, secretary at the Unison Harrogate local government branch, said local authorities faced a “recruitment and retention” crisis.
It comes amid reports that Knaresborough Castle was closed last weekend due to staffing shortages and various bin collections have been postponed.
A report before the council’s corporate partnerships scrutiny committee in June also found that demand for care workers in North Yorkshire “continues to outstrip supply”.
Similarly, the council, along with other authorities, faces a “national shortage” of education psychologists.
Mr Houlgate said a below inflation pay award for council staff would not address concerns of shortages.
He said:
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However, council officials have said they are unaware of any significant shortages within the council.
Trudy Foster, assistant chief executive for HR and business support at the authority, said:
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