The arms-length body which runs Angus Council’s leisure and cultural services has faced allegations of being “in chaos”.
A whistleblower contacted the Courier with a string of claims about Angus Alive including staff being bullied and reduced to tears, staff shortages at libraries and access offices with management having to step in, and lower managers and staff going on sick leave with anxiety and depression amid “unnecessary and draconian changes.”
The employee also alleges the council’s access line is no longer fit for purpose and elderly people are facing challenges accessing council services because of a “growing reliance on online forms”.
The individual said: “People are turning up for activities for kids and adults, only to find they have been cancelled at short notice because of staff shortages, while some are working from 9am to 7pm with just a half hour break.
“These issues must be addressed before everything collapses.”
A spokesperson for Angus Alive said the organisation places great importance on the wellbeing of employees and staff are encouraged to raise concerns with management or use health wellbeing procedures.
They said the organisation has recently completed an organisational review which has resulted in “new roles for employees, new working patterns and new members of staff” but the changes will take time to “take full effect”.
The spokesperson said: “It’s important that our employees feel happy and supported at work and we have clear policies and procedures in place for employees to report any behaviour they find unacceptable.
“We also expect our managers to comply with our code of conduct, treating everyone with dignity and respect and all employees are scheduled to take the rest breaks they are entitled to and outlined by legislation.”
“Any reports of employees not being able to take rest breaks will be reviewed and changes made to resolve this.
“We also closely monitor sickness absence, identifying any work-related absence and providing support during and when they return to work.
“Our ongoing training and recruitment of new positions will enable us to improve the services we provide.
The spokesperson concluded: “We’re committed to providing a positive work environment and accessible facilities for all visitors.”
A spokesperson for Angus Council, who run the Access Line said the body was moving resources to be available times of peak demand, with the service operating from 8.45am to 5pm on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday.
On Wednesday it will operate from 10am to 5pm.
The spokesperson said: “Most things can now be done online via www.Angus.gov.uk, including reporting an issue, viewing your council tax account and submitting payments, requests and enquiries. The website is available 24/7 and is quick and easy to use.”
