Council gives staff day’s holiday

Feb 11 2010 by Marjorie Kerr, West Lothian Courier

WEST Lothian Council have defended their decision to award staff an extra day off – following complaints from one of their workers.

The woman, who asked to remain anonymous, contacted The Courier to say she was upset by the local authority’s bid to give all workers a paid day off after the council won a European Foundation for Quality Management award.

She said: “I have received a letter saying that every member of staff will receive an extra day’s holiday in 2010 and I think that’s terrible.

“Although I am a member of staff at the council I also pay my taxes and I feel that the council should have a better use for their money than to spend it on giving people an extra day off, especially when councils are all short of money.

“I get paid for the job I do and I’m happy to do it. I do what I do because it’s my job – not because I’m looking for an extra reward.”

The decision follows the win of the EFQM award for excellence and the authority says giving staff an extra day off is a thank you for their hard work.

A West Lothian Council spokesperson said: “The council was awarded the five-star level (gold) in EFQM (European Foundation for Quality Management) Recognised for Excellence scheme in September 2009.

“This achievement is awarded to organisations that can demonstrate high performance and a commitment to providing excellent services.

“The prestigious accolade, based on the most widely used management framework in Europe, was created to encourage efficient improvement in organisations.

“Recognition in EFQM also provides the opportunity to learn from the highest performers in the public and private sectors across Europe.

“The EQFM assessors praised the passion of council staff in supporting the vision of the council, and it has been agreed to give staff an extra day’s holiday in 2010 to say thanks for their efforts. West Lothian Council are one of the top-performing councils in the country and this is largely due to the dedication and commitment of its staff.

“This extra holiday will not generate any extra costs for the council.”