Industrial action update – 16 July and 17 July

(Date of issue: Thursday 17 July 2008)

Following the start of industrial action on Wednesday 16 July and Thursday 17 July, the main disruption to services was the closure of the Civic Centre to the public and the unavailability of the two main contact phone numbers, 01228 817000 and 01228 817200.

Alternative arrangements were in place for the following City Council services:

• Homelessness Service – ring 01228 817499 during office hours or present to John Street Hostel Shaddongate, Carlisle, for assistance.
• To report a dangerous structure – telephone Building Control on 01228 817184

Key services operated normally including household waste, garden waste and recycling collections and civil enforcement Officers.

One community centre had to close, Currock, due to the industrial action and the rest were unaffected.

Other City Council buildings remained open including Tullie House Museum and Art Gallery, the Guildhall Carlisle’s Tourist Information Centre and the cemetery and crematorium.

On Wednesday 16 July, the number of staff who took industrial action was 135, this represents 17% of the number of employees (800) employed by Carlisle City Council.

On Thursday 17 July, the number of staff who took industrial action was 129, this represents 16% of the number of employees (800) employed by Carlisle City Council.