If I am right in thinking Wirral council have allowed over 1500 people to take early voluntary retirement not so long ago I would imagine this has an impact on the remaining staff, and with more job losses on the horizon, I feel sorry for the staff remaining,
No longer are council jobs for life. Article in local paper this week saying in a big sob story how staff are suffering from stress. I dare say they are, but so are those who have no job at all. So how about the council reducing the hours of their full time staff in an effort to help and reduce their stress levels, and employ some of the unemployed on part time hours? Could it work.....no! Simple, because those who suffer from stress in the work place are not likely to reduce their hours, they would sooner have sick pay and a longer time off, because it is 'stress'.
So far as the 'Welcome Gift' for the new Chief Executive is concerned, I believe that not all decissions are passed by the Councillors. Departments also make decissions and more than likley, someone has been told to get on with it, from a more senior member of the department, without knowing the so called 'ins and outs' or even being aware that the Town Hall is a listed building. Another 'nice little job' to keep the office junior busy. Order a bit of furniture, decorating, quotes for re-vamp , nothing hard about that is there?
Although it may not have been the office junior, it could have been someone from a temporary agency who was covering for someone who was off sick with stress (at astronomical cost)!
We'll never know, but it's time people who make 'big mistakes' are got rid of. If it was e.g nursing profession, doctors, teachers,care workers etc. they would be up before the Head! It's time some were sitting up and taking note, of how important it is to do their job correctly and if they don't know, then ask!
I've said enough.....but I'm not sorry this time.