Workforce and HR support

We have the very latest information and advice for managing the local government workforce in relation to COVID-19.

We will update these pages regularly and also provide information via the Workforce Team twitter account on @LGAWorkforce.

Workforce news

• COVID-19 LGA Workforce Brief – Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme
  The Government published further guidance on the Job Retention Scheme (furloughing) over the weekend.
• Additional LGA schools guidance has been published (pdf, 7 April 2020)
• New information and guidance for managing staff wellbeing during COVID19
• The DfE has confirmed that schools should be open over Easter for vulnerable children and children of critical workers
• LGA working with Social Work England to set up a temporary social work register

LGA Workforce COVID-19 quick links

Green Book circulars – statements and circulars from the NJC for Local Government Services with particular reference to terms and conditions, home working and maintain social distancing for jobs that cannot be done from home.

Burgundy Book – statements and circulars for schools and councils to manage the workforce implications of closing schools and manage schools and staff that remain open for vulnerable children and the children of critical workers.

COVID-19 Workforce FAQs – employment law focused frequently asked questions for England and Wales only.

Fire and Rescue Services – statements and circulars for changes to working agreements during COVID-19.

COVID-19, redeployment of staff and secondments  – as COVID-19 impacts on the number of staff able to work, care providers will suffer shortages at different times and may look to other providers to share staff. Arrangements will differ according to local circumstances but one option is for staff to move on temporary secondment. The LGA has up-to-date advice on the use of secondments.