Sunderland council staff heading back to work from next month

Non-essential council staff could begin returning to their offices from next month leaders have said.

Many of Sunderland City Council's workers have been forced to work from home over the last months due to restrictions imposed to halt the spread of coronavirus.

Some, such as those with responsibility for waste services or vulnerable children and adults, have continued working on site throughout lockdown.

The authority though has said ageing office infrastructure could hinder efforts to get more back.

Cllr Graeme Miller, the leader of the council, said:

The city council's current base in the Civic Centre opened in 1970.

Maintenance bills run to about £200,000 per year, while leaks and other issues have seen sections of the building temporarily closed over recent years.

The ongoing problems at the HQ prompted councillors to agree a move to a new home at the city centre Vaux site in 2018.

The decision, described at the time as a 'no brainer' by supporters and a 'vanity project' by critics, is due to see the local authority relocate in to the purpose-built 'City Hall' from 2021 - a move Cllr Miller thinks could serve the council for up to a century, as well as giving it the tools to help ride out possible future virus outbreaks and epidemics.

He said: