Angus Alive, the troubled arms-length body which runs Angus Council’s leisure and cultural services has been rocked by threats of a “staff exodus” over a new rota system.
The rota, set to be introduced later this year, sees part time staff who previously might have fulfilled their hours over two or three days, having to work shorter shifts on more days.
One insider said: “Angus Alive is in meltdown and facing an exodus of staff if something is not done – people are really unhappy.”
“It may not seem much, but it can have a substantial impact on travel and childcare costs, especially if staff do not work in their home towns and have to make a lot more journeys while still working the same number of hours for the same pay.
“One person was in tears when they saw the rota, and I know a number of people have said they will have to leave if the system isn’t changed because of the financial impact.
Documents have revealed a number of shifts remain vacant with no-one to cover them.
However, Angus Alive said the rota had been developed to respond to the needs of the community and gave staff more consistency in their working patterns, while the changes are expected to improve the customer experience and “create an opportunity to support a more flexible workforce.”
A spokesperson for the organisation said: “By implementing these changes, we expect to improve the customer experience and create an opportunity to support a more flexible workforce.
“These changes were managed sensitively and constructively through a structured Managing Workforce Change process in consultation with employees and appropriate trade union participation.
“As a result of the review all our current information advisors have been offered a post within the new rota.
“We’ve received positive feedback from a number of employees on the new rotas and a number have said that the new working patterns suit their own personal circumstances better.
“We are being very open and transparent with employees and have been happy to accept feedback on the changes which will be reviewed on an ongoing basis whilst ensuring the needs of our customers and our business requirements continue to be met.”
