Council staff redeployed to Dukinfield Crematorium

Additional staff have been drafted in to Dukinfield Crematorium to deal with extra demand due to the coronavirus pandemic. 

Five engineering staff were redeployed by Tameside Council to the crematorium to help bereavement services get through the peak of the crisis. 

They have passed their qualification with The Federation of Burial and Cremation Authorities, and now have the Certificate of Proficiency in the Practical and Ethical Operation of Cremation Equipment.

Tameside Council say it is the only local authority in Greater Manchester to have put in place special measures training and now has nine trained crematorium operatives, which it says makes the service "more resilient and better placed to continue through any future peaks and demands". 

Five further engineering staff were redeployed to support the service with grave digging duties. The council say that, in all cases, redeployed staff have been working alongside and assisting more experienced staff.

Cllr Allison Gwynne, Executive Member responsible for Operations and Neighbourhoods, said: "I’m really proud of all of these workers who have stepped out of their comfort zones, taking on quite different roles to what they are used to, to help ensure we could continue providing a bereavement service to local families through the peak of the pandemic. It also means we’re resilient moving forwards and well prepared should a second wave come.

"I’m particularly pleased for those staff who gained additional qualifications as a result on this – it is recognition that, despite their temporary status, they are doing what is a very sensitive role proficiently and ethically. Well done and thank you to all for your hard work."