Two specialist coronavirus officers who started work less than a month ago have been stood down.

The officers, whose roles were only announced by Trafford council in mid July, can no longer work following a council decision to terminate their roles due to funding uncertainty.

The two officers had been on hand for around three weeks already to help businesses reopen as lockdown began to ease and to provide advice and information on government guidelines.

They didn’t have any enforcement powers, but were able to report breaches of social distancing or other issues to the council and police who would then deal with any interventions needed.

But due to uncertainty over how they are going to be funded, the roles have now been terminated.

Originally, the money for the officers was due to be provided by the European Union’s Regional Development Fund, but it is understood the necessary documents to release the funding have not yet been signed by central government.

They were working alongside other council services and providing advice and support directly to businesses in Altrincham, Sale, Stretford, Urmston and Partington in particular.

A spokesperson for Trafford council said: “On May 24, the government announced a package of support for the recovery of town centres hit by the pandemic – the Reopening High Streets Safely Fund – funded by the European Union.

“A funding agreement which was promised to be agreed with all local authorities by the end of June is not yet in place and we have received confirmation that the national agreement with the European agreement is yet to be signed. In the light of this uncertainty, we are currently reviewing activity under this programme whilst we await greater clarity over the funding arrangements.”

Coun James Wright, executive member for housing and regeneration, said: “On the strength of this funding announcement, Trafford council moved quickly to appoint COVID-19 information officers which were in place from early July to support the full re-opening of hospitality and other retail premises.

“These officers have proved very useful in spreading guidance and information to the public and businesses –  especially as lockdown restrictions have eased and then tightened. Their effort has complemented our joint working between our licensing team and Greater Manchester Police which has focussed on the night time economy.

“However at present we are spending money at risk and without the promised funding agreement. Consequently we are taking a short pause in activities whilst seeking greater certainties over future finance. We hope that the funding agreements can be confirmed without further delay and so we can get on and help High Street businesses in their time of need.”

The government’s Treasury did not respond to a request for comment on the funding situation.