Title

HUMAN RESOURCES

Colchester to furlough staff

A council in Essex is to furlough some of its staff to limit the financial impact of the coronavirus pandemic.

A council in Essex is to furlough some of its staff to limit the financial impact of the coronavirus pandemic.

Colchester BC will make use of the Government's job retention scheme to furlough staff who are unable to work and cannot be deployed to other service areas.

The council has estimated it is facing a financial loss of around £10m due to the crisis.

Colchester's portfolio holder for business and resources, Cllr David King, said: ‘Despite the recent welcome news the council is to receive a further £1.9m from the Government to help us deal with the immediate impacts of coronavirus, that aid meets only 20% of our likely losses this year.

'That is why we have made the difficult decision to furlough staff we cannot redeploy.

'This action, along with the Government's latest funding pledge, will help us mitigate some of the pressing financial challenges created by the pandemic, which have significantly reduced the council's income.'

HUMAN RESOURCES

Making the right choice for the next generation

By Emmet Regan | 09 July 2026

Emmet Regan looks at the factors to consider when choosing the best model for the delivery of children’s services during local government reorganisation.

HUMAN RESOURCES

Reorganisation without resignations

By Gary Evans | 09 July 2026

Gary Evans outlines the importance – and challenges of – retaining talent through local government reorganisation.

HUMAN RESOURCES

Bringing dynamism into devolution

By Mike Emmerich | 08 July 2026

Mike Emmerich introduces his new review focused on building growth-capable strategic authorities and sets out why institutional capacity is now the defining ...

HUMAN RESOURCES

Shifting from LGR to integration

By Dr Catherine Howe | 08 July 2026

New unitary councils must transition well following reorganisation and the Local Councils Network is the ideal companion for councils seeking to deeply moder...

Popular articles by Laura Sharman