Staff at Rutland County Council look set to be working from home for many months more.

Council leader Oliver Hemsley told Oakham Nub News: "Government guidance remains consistent and advises that people should work from home if they can.

"We have supported our staff to work from home for the past three months and will continue to do so for as long as needed – supporting them to carry on delivering essential services for Rutland residents."

Last week, Lincolnshire County Council announced its 5,000 employees will continue working from home for a further six months, based on goverment guidance and "a need to promote the health and well-being of our workforce".

Coun Hemsley also explained: "Many of our our staff - including health and social care and transport workers - continue to work out in the community, providing key frontline services.

"We also have a small number of office-based staff whose roles cannot be done at home. In all instances, these staff are following the latest government guidance relevant to their service area or general workplace safety.

To help staff work from home, the council has rapidly rolled-out new technology and working practices.

Coun Hemsley continued: "However, working from home is not just about technology and we are grateful to all our employees who are now balancing work and home life in the same space – juggling the demands of work as well as supporting their families and other dependents.

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"We must maintain social distancing and make sure our staff can work in safety. Home working is therefore likely to continue across many industries and sectors for much longer than was first anticipated."

Almost two-thirds of Rutland County Council's near-500 staff are currently working from home each week. They continue to work under pre-existing management structures and maintain regular contact with managers, heads of service and team leaders.

Staff also receive regular updates and guidance to help keep them informed. The council's chief executive, Helen Briggs, personally writes to all of them on a weekly basis and this is supplemented with regular information bulletins.

The council says staff mental health and wellbeing is also a priority for it – particularly during the currently pandemic period.

All staff can access an employee assistance programme that offers free wellbeing advice and support through a network of trained counselling professionals. This service is available to staff and members of their family 24/7, all year-round.