More than 45,000 council staff across NSW have been made eligible for special vaccination leave.

Local Government NSW (LGNSW) President Linda Scott said the additional leave was part of the special Local Government (COVID-19) Splinter (Interim) Award 2021 secured by the peak body and unions last year.

“Some 105 of the State’s councils have opted into this Award, which makes special vaccination leave available for more than 45,000 council employees,” Cr Scott said.

“This new leave allowance allows council staff to get vaccinated without impacting their regular sick leave.

“Councils are often the dominant employer in their particular area, so their take-up of the vaccine can play a really important role in helping to keep local communities – their friends, families and neighbours – safe and healthy.

“Local government has provided a locally-led economic recovery for their communities in the face of multiple crises in the past 18 months, and created new jobs in the process.

“We don’t want anything to get in the way of that,” she said.