Sheffield Council to reinstate some face-to-face services

Since March when the pandemic hit, council workers have mostly worked from home and brought as many services as possible online and by telephone, with some services suspended.

But now restrictions have eased, it is looking to return to some normality.

Julie Dore, leader of the council, said in preparation for this it has made more than 300 council buildings Covid-secure.

She added while some staff will return to offices, there will be "significantly" fewer than pre-lockdown and most will continue to work from home.

The list of services that will be reinstated has not yet been confirmed by Sheffield Council.

Coun Dore said: “As lockdown restrictions ease, we are moving towards reinstating some face to face provision across our services, but in the majority of cases this will be by appointment only. Alongside this, people can continue to contact us online or by phone and many have found this beneficial.

"We understand not everyone is able to access services online and this is why we are making sure that face to face options are available. However, we will introduce changes to our offices so that it is as safe as possible for our staff and the public at all times.

“The vast majority of council staff are at work and have been throughout the pandemic, keeping important services running whilst the country was on lockdown. Much of this was done by staff working from home.

"Services that are now being reinstated were initially closed in line with Government guidance and with the safety of staff and the public at the forefront of our decision making. The lifting of lockdown restrictions that have affected our services and offices has been done incrementally over the last few months.

“We are so grateful for how our dedicated workforce has continued to deliver essential services from the very beginning of this pandemic, whilst also supporting businesses, the care sector, and many others and importantly, keeping our residents and communities safe.”

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