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14

Sept 2021

Last Updated: 13/09/2021
Politics
Politics

Staff shortage at Harrogate council affects leisure and recycling

by John Plummer

| 14 Sept, 2021
Comment

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Harrogate Borough Council, which has 95 vacancies, says it is 'doing what we can to fill these so that all facilities can return to normal as soon as possible'.

harrogatecouncil-scaled
Harrogate Borough Council offices at Knapping Mount.

A shortage of staff at Harrogate Borough Council is causing delays to recycling collections and changes to timetables at leisure centres in the district.

The council, which employed 1,062 staff at the end of July, currently has 95 vacancies.

Most vacancies are in sport and leisure, however the council is also advertising jobs for receptionists, nursery nurses and lifeguards.

Last week, the authority was forced to delay recycling collections due to a shortage of drivers.

https://twitter.com/Harrogatebc/status/1434901511666950148?s=20

Staff shortages in leisure facilities have also seen timetables change for gyms and swim sessions.



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A council spokesman said: 

“Like many organisations across the country – in both the private and public sector – there are numerous services that are trying hard to fulfil specific roles.
“We are not immune to this and currently have around 95 jobs available across all council services that are either currently being advertised or are in the process of being filled.
“A number of these roles are available in our sport and leisure services and we are doing what we can to fill these so that all facilities can return to normal as soon as possible. We also have a smaller number of vacancies in our waste and recycling service but are optimistic that these will be filled in the coming weeks.
“As well as great colleagues, we offer competitive salaries, flexible working and a range of other benefits."