Message from the Chief Executive

12 September 2022

Dear colleagues,

The Government has announced that the day of the State Funeral of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, Monday 19 September, will be a bank holiday.

In line with this, all Council office buildings will be closed, schools, libraries and adult learning centres will be closed, waste collections will be suspended, and our household waste recycling centres will be closed. 

All staff will be entitled to a holiday with a normal day’s pay on the additional bank holiday (this will be on a pro-rata for part-time employees).

Of course, not all of our services can stop and those colleagues that are required to work will receive public holiday pay, plus time off with pay at a later date. Managers within our essential services are speaking to their teams today to ensure as much notice is given as possible.

For teaching staff covered by the STPCWD, it is anticipated that government will implement  a reduction to the number of teaching days required to be worked (in addition to the one for the Queens Jubilee - so it will be 193) so no adjustments to pay will be required.

It is expected that there will be a national two-minute silence on the day of the funeral. All staff who are required to work will be able to observe this.  

Further information on this can be found in the National Joint Council for Wales, NJC update which outlines the position in relation to staff members covered by Green Book terms and conditions.

The Mayor led the formal Proclamation Service at the Civic Offices yesterday afternoon. It was a poignant service which marked a historic moment. Bro Radio streamed the event live and this is still available to watch for those who wish. I’d like to express my grateful thanks to all those colleagues who have worked so efficiently in the time leading up to and across the weekend to ensure it was a success.  Diolch pawb.

I appreciate that for many this will be a time for reflection, and that some staff may find the news upsetting. I’d like to remind you all of the services in place to support colleagues’ wellbeing, which may be of use at this time.

CareFirst

Care First is the Council's employee assistance programme. It is a free, 24/7 online and telephone service giving users access to counselling or information relating to work and life issues, including relationships, family matters, debt, and stress.

Contact Number: 0800 174 319

Our Wellbeing Pages

On our StaffNet+ wellbeing hub you will find information on our wellbeing champions as well as some advice and practical activities to support you physical, emotional and mental wellbeing.

Wellbeing Sessions

Two outdoor wellbeing sessions have recently been confirmed. These will take place at Porthkerry from 10am until 2pm on 23 September and at Cosmeston from 10am to 12pm on 6 October.

In addition to these a series of informal sessions for staff to come and reconnect with their teams in person, or virtually for those who feel more comfortable meeting in this way. These meetings will have no set agenda but just the opportunity to chat. Dates and locations of these sessions will be shared as soon as confirmed.

iDev

We have several short online learning modules designed to support your mental health. These modules are quick and easy to digest. They have received excellent feedback from colleagues and are accessible on any device.

To login, just enter your iDev login details and you will see what we have available.

Opportunity to pay your respects/Book of Condolence

For those colleagues who wish to pay their respects to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II Books of condolence have been opened at the Civic Offices, Docks Office, and Alps Depot. All colleagues are welcome to call into one of our buildings to record their condolences. An online book of condolence has also been opened on our website and is available to all.

If you have any questions about working arrangements during the national period of mourning or about the wellbeing support on offer then please speak to your line manager.

Cofion and diolch eto,

Rob Thomas