SHORTAGES of gloves and face masks for its frontline workers has prompted BCP Council to launch an “urgent” appeal for organisations’ support.

Personal protective equipment has been provided – through the NHS – for its social care staff but it has struggled to find any for other employees, including its binmen.

Council leader Vikki Slade said it had become “increasingly hard to source” and it is now urging organisations with available supplies to come forward.

“Whilst we have had some supplies sent to us for our social care staff and partners, not all things are covered,” she said. “Other staff across many of our service areas urgently need this equipment.

“We are very grateful to any business who can help fill our shortage gap.”

She said among its departments in need of more PPE were its telecare team which responds to vulnerable people who have fallen, its homeless outreach officers, binmen and its partner organisations.

The council said it was looking for face masks, disposable gloves, hand sanitiser, goggles, aprons and gowns with demand due to coronavirus making them scarce.

Any organisation with available supplies of PPE is asked to email economicdevelopment@bcpcouncil.gov.uk

Similar appeals have been made by other local authorities, including Ealing Council which has specifically requested supplies from construction companies and beauty clinics.

Both Bournemouth University and Poole-based Sunseeker have donated their supplies to NHS trusts.

Concerns have also been raised about the increasing cost of protective equipment with prices for masks rising by more than 1,000 per cent, according to social care charity Community Integrated Care.