One year ago, Hay Shire Council reduced working hours and gave all staff an additional week of annual leave to try and address ongoing recruitment and retention problems with limited funds.
We know a lot of councils are considering reduced hours for similar reasons as Hay Shire council, so we checked in with them recently to find out how it’s going.
After speaking to members, the wider Hay Community and David Webb, General Manager of Hay Shire Council, Riverina region local government USU organiser, Brian Harrington said responses were mostly positive.
Members appreciated having more hours in the day for themselves and the community do not seem to have noticed a reduction in council services.
Further, David said: ‘Council has had very limited turnover of staff, with a period of 9 months with no vacancies. Currently, there are only three vacancies in the organisation which are currently filled.’
We’re pleased to hear reduced hours have been so successful at Hay Shire Council.
Pictured: L to R: David Webb (General Manager, Hay Shire Council), Shayne Kennedy (Hay Shire Council USU Delegate), Brian Harrington (USU Organiser, Riverina region local government) and Mia Headon-Doidge (USU member, Hay Shire Council).
