No covid staff bonus pay

Hawick and Hermitage councillor Davie Paterson called on council bosses to reward staff such as carers and refuse workers who have selflessly gone about their duties over the past four months.

However, despite paying tribute to the work of those staff, council finance boss David Robertson says there is no money available in council coffers to meet the request.

Mr Paterson said: “I think that it would be a fantastic gesture by the council to give a bonus to these workers who have worked above and beyond to provide a much-needed service to the elderly and frail in our region.”

Mr Robertson, the council’s executive director finance and regulatory services, acknowledged the “invaluable contribution” of those staff.

But he said that despite government funding support the pandemic had left a large hole in the council’s finances.

He said: “The contribution our staff make, day in day out, is a source of great pride to the council. Covid-19 has had a very significant negative impact on the council’s finances. Since March we have seen income reduced, our costs increased, for example for additional cleaning and vital personal protective equipment, and our savings plans delayed. The resulting budget deficit of £15m at month two was reported to council in June. The council therefore has no funding to pay any additional money to staff.”