MIDLOTHIAN Council’s leader has said a decision to stop workers displaying Scotland flags or wearing the national jersey during the World Cup had nothing to do with her party.
Kelly Parry hit back after Labour councillors criticised the move as "political correctness gone daft".
Council workers received a memo telling them not to display football items in case they caused "unintended offence" with claims one school was ordered to remove Scotland flags from its reception area.
Councillor Derek Milligan said staff had been left angry over the ban which he said had been introduced by the “SNP run council” saying "they feel that the council’s stance is simply political correctness gone daft rather than encouraging team spirit and national pride".
However council leader Kelly Parry (below) insisted the decision had nothing to do with the SNP administration and was a “school level communication”.
And she accused Councillor Milligan of trying to score political points.
Councillor Parry said: “To suggest this was a decision taken by the council administration is simply incorrect. The communication in question was issued following staff feedback and does not represent a formal policy decision approved by councillors, nor do councillors write or approve school level communication to staff.
“It’s disappointing that Derek Milligan appears more interested in turning a school-level communication into a political football than in getting the facts right. If there were a World Cup for political point-scoring, Derek would be doing his best to qualify for the knockout stages.”
The memo to council workers said: “With the Men’s World Cup underway and following Scotland’s success at the weekend – we know many colleagues will be keen to show their support.
“We are pleased to see the enthusiasm but as a reminder our workplace needs to remain inclusive and welcoming for everyone. We have a diverse workforce and displays such as flags, team shirts or other football paraphernalia can sometimes be open to different interpretations or cause unintended offence.
“To ensure we maintain a professional and neutral environment for all, colleagues are reminded of the appropriate dress code and not to display flags, wear team shirts or bring football-related items into the workplace during this period. Thank you for your understanding and co-operation.”
Midlothian Council has issued a "clarification" of its position insisting it supports the World Cup and is actively involved in World Cup themes projects at schools across the county and leisure centres with displays.
They said: “The council’s recent reminder of guidance to employees regarding workplace dress and displays was intended solely to ensure that council workplaces remain professional, inclusive and welcoming environments for all colleagues and visitors.
“It was not intended to discourage support for Scotland or diminish the significance of the national team’s achievement in reaching the World Cup.”
However Councillor Milligan responded to criticism from the council leader pointing out he had not said her group had issued the guidance.
He added: “The cheek of the SNP council leader Kelly Parry is astonishing. This is a council leader who along with her SNP administration councillors turns up to anything they believe is positive the council achieves to get their photograph taken and grab the credit.
“Then when they are criticised it’s a council spokesperson or a big boy done it and ran away to blame.”
