Council’s suspension figures ‘demand a review’

Welsh Conservatives have questioned performance management and disciplinary procedures at Flintshire Council as new figures reveal more than 2,000 days have been lost to suspension over the last three years.

Released following a Freedom of Information request, the Daily Post reports that ‘more than six years’ worth of working days have been lost as a result of the suspensions since July 2012.’

Welsh Conservative Shadow Minister for Local Government, Janet Finch-Saunders AM, said:

“These are hugely worrying figures that demand an urgent review into the council’s performance management and disciplinary procedures.

“At a time when Labour’s local authority budget is heaping pressure on frontline services across Wales, taxpayers will rightly question this colossal waste of working days.

“While thorough investigations must always be undertaken where necessary, these extreme figures are wholly unacceptable.

“It is crucial that the duration of these procedures is limited - for the good of all – and I urge councils across Wales to consider the effectiveness of their own processes.”

ENDS