AROUND 1,200 Renfrewshire council employees are currently self-isolating as part of a bid to protect workers during the coronavirus outbreak.

Bosses have confirmed around 15 per cent of the workforce – which has approximately 8,000 staff in total – are self-isolating either because they have symptoms, are in an at-risk group, or have returned from a “category one” country such as Italy, Iran or certain areas of China and Korea.

This figure has more than doubled since a report was presented to the emergencies board on Friday, which indicated 538 workers were in self-isolation at the time, including more than 300 from the children’s services department.

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Council chiefs have said the figures are changing daily, with people going in and out of isolation.

The emergencies board report also revealed there are around 700 council staff deemed to be at-risk and these employees will work from home for the foreseeable future where possible.

Those who are not able to work from home are being redeployed onto alternative duties which can be supported through working from home.

The report stated: “Renfrewshire Council has followed UK Government guidance and has been looking at vulnerable/at risk staff who have underlying health conditions.

“This has resulted in a significant number of staff now being shielded from social contact for a period of time. Where possible, these staff will continue to work from home.

“In some cases, where they cannot carry out their normal role from home, they are being redeployed onto alternative duties.

“We are estimating there are around 700 staff at-risk who will be advised to go home.

“The overall figures are still being confirmed and we are also identifying how many of these people will be able to continue to work from home and providing the equipment they require to do so.”

Bosses admitted the decision to close schools will increase pressure on some employees and consideration was being given to what support can be provided to assist them.

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They also acknowledged it will take “some time to recover” from the inevitable financial pressures of this situation.

The council has admitted it will need to draw heavily on all of its financial reserves considering the loss of income, exceptional service costs, increased demand for services, support arrangements and the need for additional interventions which will arise as a result of the pandemic.