Information Bulletin
27 March 2006
Shetland Islands Council Service Interruption Due to Strike Action – Tuesday 28th March
Shetland Islands Council have been advised that local strike action is planned by a number of Unions on Tuesday 28th March as part of a national dispute regarding pension arrangements.
It is likely that this action will disrupt a number of Council services.
This is a national dispute which the Council cannot resolve directly, and we regret that it will not be possible to avoid all inconvenience to the public arising from this strike. However the Council is committed to making sure that everything is done to see that the most vulnerable are looked after, and that any emergencies are dealt with without delays.
To help the public be aware of the effects of this strike if it goes ahead, we are providing as full and complete information as we can about Council services that will be restricted, and those that will continue to be available.
From the information received from the Unions who are planning this action, and follow up discussions, we believe the following services will be affected.
Inter Island Ferries
No scheduled inter-island ferry services are expected to operate, apart from the Bressay Ferry which is currently expected to provide a service. Passengers are however advised to check the Bressay Ferry Information Line on 01595 743974 to check the latest position prior to travelling. Emergency cover (blue light services), plus vet, hydro and water call outs will be provided. Blue light services will be co-ordinated through the Coastguard. Any other emergencies please ring either 07795 272053 or 07766 421065 and a member of Ferries staff will assist you.
There will be no booking service through Ulsta, but the Whalsay booking service will be open.
Schools
The following schools are going to be closed. Other schools are expected to be open, including the provision of School transport.
Anderson High (closed to pupils but open to Staff )
Mid Yell Junior High
Bells Brae Primary
Brae Primary
Happyhansel Primary
Mossbank Primary
Whiteness Primary
Whalsay Primary
Bressay Nursery only
Skeld Nursery only
Brae High Secondary open to Secondary 4,5 and 6 pupils only
Whalsay Secondary open to Secondary 4 pupils only
Sound Primary open till 1.00 pm
ASN bases at the Anderson High School and Bells Brae will also be closed.
The Janet Courtney Hostel will be open.
Evening classes at the Anderson High School and Brae High School are also expected to be cancelled.
Social Work
People in Residential Care will continue to be looked after and Home Helps, Meals on Wheels will provide Community Care services.
Day care services at the Erik Gray Centre will be closed.
Other day care facilities will be open, and Social Work transport to these will be available.
Gritting / Roads
There will be no general Gritting or other Roads services. Similar to the arrangements for Ferries, should an emergency arise that requires support that will be provided. Support of Blue-light services will be co-ordinated through the Police. There is no snow or ice currently forecast for Tuesday 28th
Refuse Collection
There will be no collection for Tuesday’s properties. This will be collected on the following Tuesday – 04 April 2006.
Public Toilet Service
Lerwick public toilets (The Esplanade, Grantfield, Lochside and The Knab) will be closed.
Trading standards
There will be no Trading Standards Service available if the strike goes ahead.
Consumer Advice will continue to be available from Consumer Direct (0845 04 05 06 or www.consumerdirect.gov.uk) and from the Shetland Islands Citizens Advice Bureau at Market House in Lerwick (tel 694696, fax 696776 or email sicab@zetnet.co.uk).
Library Service
The Library and Learning Centre in Lerwick will be closed and Mobile 1 - serving the South End & the West Side will not be out.
The following School Libraries will also be closed.
Sandwick School Library
Anderson High School Library
Scalloway School Library
Aith School Library
Brae School Library
Mid Yell School Library
Services which will operate are Mobile 2 serving the North (on altered route due to ferry strike), Whalsay School Library and Baltasound School Library.
Registrars Office
The Lerwick Registrars Office will be closed.
Other Services
A range of other office based Council services may be restricted, but telephone and reception facilities should be available in most cases. You are requested to phone first if you are planning a visit to an office.
Further detail on this, information on any interruptions to services, and any special emergency contact arrangements, will be provided to the public via local radio, and on-line at www.shetland.gov.uk.
The Council switchboard will be open as normal on 01595 693535 as will other main service contact numbers listed in the Shetland Directory, online and in the Councils various information publications.
There will be many Council staff working on Tuesday trying to provide as full a range of normal services as possible. Please bear in mind their priority will be the most needy and vulnerable so routine enquiries might have to wait.
Ends……..
Update on Expected Strike Disruption as at – 12.00 noon Monday 27th March.
This bulletin will be updated as further detailed information becomes available
For further briefing information please contact;
John Smith
Head of Organisational Development
Shetland Islands Council
01595 744513
07766 421002
or general information;
Shetland Islands Council - Main switchboard
01595 693535