More staff are being redeployed into critical roles supporting vulnerable people across Leicestershire

More staff are being rushed into critical roles supporting vulnerable people across Leicestershire.

An extra 240 social care staff worked over the Easter bank holiday weekend – and 120 more were on standby – to ensure over 5,000 residents received vital care and support.

Over 100 people who usually work in adult learning, libraries and other teams have already been redeployed to new roles.

They have been drafted in to providing care, working in the council’s customer service centre and supporting a recruitment drive for carers.

County council leader, Cllr Nick Rushton, said: “Keeping people safe and well remains our number one priority. “And every day, our social care staff, alongside NHS colleagues, are working tirelessly to provide crucial round-the-clock support.”

He added: “Lighting up part of County Hall in green at 8pm on Thursday night signals how we much we appreciate the hard work of our social care teams.

“And as far as we know we are the only council to do this.

“Four weeks into the lockdown, these remain trying times.

“And I’d like to thank our social care workers for their continuing professionalism and dedication.”

Keep up to date with coronavirus updates by:

-Signing up for the council’s newsletter

-Visiting the county council’s website: www.leicestershire.gov.uk/coronavirus-covid-19

-Following @LeicsCountyHall on Twitter