One job turns into four as Council spends on health and safety (From Thurrock Gazette)

One job turns into four as Council spends on health and safety

10:31pm Wednesday 9th July 2008 in Search

THURROCK Council is to spend £130,000 a year on appointing four health and safety officers to look after the interests of its staff - a job previously done by one person costing around £30,000.

Despite questioning the cost and the need for the new post, members of the Council's ruling cabinet agreed to the expenditure at their meeting on Wednesday evening after being told they had little choice.

Head of public protection Lucy Magill presented a report to members drawn up by Gavin Dennett, acting team, leader for safety, nuisance and licensing which outlined changes in Government legislation, particularly the Corporate Manslaughter and Homicide act which brought new pressures and responsibilities on organisations like the council.

Conservatives on the Cabinet criticised the Labour Government for introducing unnecessary legislation, with councillor Neil Rockliffe summing up as he said: "There is one person taking this on now. Are we now saying we need four people to do his job?

"Has this been budgeted for? Did we know it was coming? This is just another example of this Government asking local authorities to fund unwanted services."

Council chief executive Angie Ridgwell said it was the considered view of her senior officers that the new jobs were needed.

"This is just another example of this Government asking local authorities to fund unwanted services.”

Councillor Neil Rockliffe

She said: "My corporate management team feel that we really need this to meet the Council's responsibility. We want to make sure the health and safety of our own employees is maximised at all times."