Leeds Council call for 'respect' for these employees after workers face abuse

Key council workers who are carrying out "vital" work across Leeds should be able to carry on their jobs free of abuse, Leeds City Council has said.
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It comes after workers were abused and sworn at while doing their jobs, while still following social distancing rules, earlier this week.

The council has called on people to "support and respect" the officers and contractors carrying out essential works across Leeds that will help keep residents safe.

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Examples of the vital tasks being performed by these essential workers include:

Leeds City Council Responsive Plumber Steven Last arrives for a job in Gipton (photo: Jonathan Gawthorpe).Leeds City Council Responsive Plumber Steven Last arrives for a job in Gipton (photo: Jonathan Gawthorpe).
Leeds City Council Responsive Plumber Steven Last arrives for a job in Gipton (photo: Jonathan Gawthorpe).

- Caring for older people in their homes

- Emergency house repairs

- Essential road repairs to ensure supplies can get through

- Delivering the meals on wheels service

- Continuing the collection of black and green bins

The council stressed that workers were taking "all necessary precautions in line with current Government advice, including around social distancing."

Half of its officers are already working from home.

The council said some employees would be carrying out works which may not be considered urgent but cannot be done from home.

"In these instances, assessments have been conducted to make sure these activities can be carried out safely in line with the social distancing guidance," the council said.

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Leader of Leeds City Council, Councillor Judith Blake, said: "We are doing everything we can to keep the public and our staff safe and well during these unprecedented times. I want to extend a huge thank you to all those currently performing essential work in communities across the city to ensure our vital services can keep running.

"At this time, we want to urge the public to support and respect these workers as their tireless work is key to keeping our city running."