Laura Sharman 30 March 2020

Mass graves a possibility as councils struggle to cope with number of deaths

Burial and cremation services could be overwhelmed within weeks due to the coronavirus outbreak, academics have warned.

Research published by the University of Huddersfield has found a number of flaws in the continuity plans drawn up by local authorities in the event of a pandemic.

It warns burial and cremation services could be beyond capacity four or five weeks into the outbreak.

It also warns limited cemetery and body storage space will also be a major problem, and may lead to the need for mass graves.

The authors - Dr Julia Meaton, Dr Anna Williams and researcher Helen-Marie Kruger - concluded: ‘The focus has been on the operational implications for a local authority service but the issues this paper raises are primarily about people and how we, as a society, treat our citizens in life and in death. In a pandemic situation there is likely to be a necessary change to the ‘business as usual’ death and bereavement management services.

‘How humanely these are managed is hugely important for those affected at the time of crisis and the humanity of the government’s response will reflect the nature and values of our society, and will be judged accordingly.’

The report says technological innovations such as an online death registration service could speed up the process. It also recommends employees are ring-fenced to ensure their availability will be guaranteed.

The research was originally carried out last year, examining the potential impact of a flu pandemic but has been updated to reflect the current health crisis.

The £37,000 SEND Problem image

The £37,000 SEND Problem

Natalie Kenneison, COO at Imosphere, argues that the real SEND funding crisis isn’t just about budgets - it’s about the systems behind the decisions.
SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Family Support Worker

Durham County Council
Grade 6 - £27,269 - £30,060 (Pay award pending)
Do you have a real passion for helping families to make positive changes for themselves and their children? This might be the right role for you!   WH Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Clerical Officer Receptionist

Durham County Council
Grade 3 £24,404 - £25,183 Pro Rata to hours worked Pay award pending
WHAT IS INVOLVED? We are looking to appoint a part time Clerical officer/Receptionist within Business Services to provide a professional, effective a Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Administration Assistant

Durham County Council
£25,584 - £27,711 pro rata
Administration Assistant Grade 5    £25,584 - £27,711 pro rata Temporary – required from 1st October 2025 until 31 December 2025 37 hours per week, Te Consett
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Support Assistant

Durham County Council
£24,027 pro rata
Support Assistant Grade 1 £24,027 pro rata Temporary – required from 1st October 2025 until 31st October 2026 Part Time, 32.5 hours Mon - Fri 9am -4pm Consett
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Lecturer in Foundation Learning -Maths, English and Digital

Durham County Council
Grade 9 £34,314 - £37,938 pro rata for part-time term time working PAY AWARD PENDING
The DurhamLearn Foundation Learning programme area delivers Digital Skills, English and Maths Functional Skills.   An opportunity has arisen for a Lec Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council
Linkedin Banner