Council officer retires after 41 years without sick leave

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 5 Nov, 06:55 · Archive

Brian Reed, Cheshire East's head of democratic services, has retired after a 41-year local government career without taking a single day off sick. He began at North East Derbyshire District Council before moving to Chester City and later Cheshire County Council, joining as local government reorganisation was under way.

Reed led the team that created constitutions for Cheshire East Council and Cheshire West & Chester Council within eight months of reorganisation, which he described as 'a real achievement'. He has witnessed substantial changes in local government over his tenure, from handwritten memos with carbon copy back-ups that took about ten days to circulate to instant electronic communication.

Reed highlighted improvements in productivity, noting that when he first set up the democratic services team at Cheshire East, it had twice as many staff as it does now. He said council staff often work beyond their contracted hours without additional pay. He praised councillors, noting that whilst the basic allowance of about £12,800 draws criticism, most work full-time hours. Technology and artificial intelligence have transformed the work, he said, replacing the need to search through law books.

How it is being reported

• Cheshire council worker retires after 41-year career - and no days off sickBrian has seen many changes during his years in local government – some good, others not soCheshire Live · 5 Nov, 06:00
• Meet the council officer who never took a day off sick in a 41-year careerCheshire East’s head of democratic services has retired after a 41-year career in local government without ever taking a day off work sick.Northwich Guardian · 3 Nov, 17:21

In this story: Brian Reed · Cheshire East Council · North East Derbyshire District Council · Chester City Council · Cheshire County Council · Cheshire West & Chester Council

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