Fife facing staff shortage in forefront of COVID fight

Fife is facing a shortage of environmental officers - staff at the forefront of dealing with the COVID crisis.

The local authority has five vacancies in a team of 17, sparking concern from a senior councillor.

Tim Brett, leader of the Liberal Democrats in Fife, said the officers “had a major role in protecting the public from harm.”

The team deals with food safety and inspections of restaurants and takeaways, as well as the current COVID crisis where they work closely with the public health team of NHS Fife as part of the Test and Protect initiative.

Cllr Brett said: "I was concerned to hear the First Minister last week in her announcement about further COVID 19 restrictions say that more funding would be provided to local authorities for EHOs.

"Clearly she is not aware of the national shortage of EHOs- money alone will not solve this problem.

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"This is a serious issue which needs urgent action at both a local and national level -the present pandemic has only made the situation worse."

Cllr Brett noted that Fife paid lower salaries than other local authorities, and said this was a contributing factor.

He suggested sponsoring a student on a degree course to encourage them to come to the region after qualifying

Cllr Ross Vettraino, convener of environment and protective services said he hoped to see salary issues addressed during the local authority’s forthcoming budget process.

He added: "It is true that the role of environmental health officers is fundamental to a high standard of public health.

"It is also true, however, that there is national shortage, just as there is a national shortage of other public health professionals.

"Equally so, the current establishment is making a huge contribution towards preventing the spread of the Coronavirus.

"As long ago as last year, the shortage was scrutinised in detail by the Environment and Protective Services Committee, and is an issue which is currently enjoying the attention of the Administration.

"The Scottish Government is aware of the situation and there is ongoing dialogue between it and the Society of Chief Environmental Health Officers.”

> Hannah Brown is the Local Democracy Reporter for Fife & Angus

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