Council approves policy allowing staff to wear Easter Lily or Poppy

by Gráinne Connolly

Derry City and Strabane District Council could be introducing a policy which would allow the Easter Lily or Poppy to be work in the workplace on designated days. 

Members of the council's Governance and Strategic Planning Committee voted this week, to approve proposals to draft an "Emblems Policy". 

The proposal came before the committee after setting up a 'Decade of Centenaries Working Group', which is made up of elected members and facilitated by Council members. 

Members of the group considered a number of options including allowing the wearing of Lilies and Poppies in the workplace for an appropriate time. 

That includes the Lily in the run up to Easter Sunday and the Poppy for one week inclusive of Remembrance Sunday and Armistice Day. 

Members were also advised that the wearing of the emblems is subject to consultation with Council employees and an equality screening exercise.

A spokesperson for Derry City and Strabane District Council says the proposal is subject to ratification by Full Council later this month and will have to go through a consultation process with employees. 

DUP and UUP members voted against the proposals.