Agenda

RECOMMENDED that the minutes of the meeting held on 27 September 2019 be confirmed and signed by the Chair as a correct record.

The purpose of this report is to update the Employment Committee about the levels of sickness absence across the council and the actions being taken to manage absence and promote employee wellbeing.

RECOMMENDED that Members                           

·      Continue to monitor sickness absence, and ensure appropriate management action is taken to address absenteeism.

·      Note the wellbeing activities undertaken to support attendance.

·      Agree the corporate absence target for the organisation.

Purpose

This report is provided in response to a request from Employment Committee to inform members of the Foundation Living Wage (FLW) rate increase from 1^st April 2020, to £9.30 per hour and to advise members of the impact of the 2020/21 national pay award on the FLW rate.

RECOMMENDED that

(i)           Members note that the Foundation Living Wage for 2020 has been set at £9.30 per hour.

(ii)          Members note the effect of the 2020/21 national pay award is unknown and therefore based on current information, spinal column points 1 & 2 is lower than Foundation Living Wage

(iii)        Officers report to members, on an annual basis, the revised FLW rate and the implications of this on the council's pay structure

The Council is required by section 38(1) of the Localism Act 2011 (openess and accountability in local pay) to prepare a Pay Policy Statement. 

The Local Government Transparency Code 2014 further clarifies and describes the information and data local authorities are required to publish to increase democratic accountability.

A Pay Policy Statement must articulate the Council's policies towards a range of issues relating to the pay of its workforce, particularly its senior staff, Chief Officers and its lowest paid employees.

A Pay Policy Statement must be prepared for each financial year. It should be approved by Full Council no later than 31^st March of each year, prior to the financial year to which it relates and be published on the council's website. 

RECOMMENDED

(1)  That the Committee approve the Pay Policy Statement attached as Appendix 1, to go forward for approval by the Full Council prior to 31 March 2020

(2)  Subject to Employment Committee approval to continue to pay the Living Wage Rate as recommended by the Living Wage Foundation, that Members approve a revision in the report and Appendix 1 to reflect the Living Wage rate increase to £9.30 per hour with effect from 1^st April 2020 and for this to be published prior to the deadline date of 31^st March 2020

The purpose of this report is to advise members of the results of the 2019 Employee Opinion Survey (the survey) and the actions being undertaken to address the findings.

RECOMMENDED that Members

(1)  Note the findings of the survey

(2)  Note the actions being undertaken to address issues raised

(3)  Note the actions being taken for future surveys

The purpose of the report is to present the outcomes of the Gender Pay Gap 2019-20, ensuring the Council can fulfil its statutory obligations in respect of the Gender Pay Gap Information Regulations and note the recommended action plan to build on the council's inclusive working practices, to continue to reduce the gap.

RECOMMENDED that the Committee

(1)  Note the key findings of the Gender Pay Gap Report 2019 (Appendix 1).

(2)  Agree the action plan as set out in Appendix 1 of the Gender Pay Gap report