Decision details

Members received the updated People Strategy 2014-2016. Members were pleased to see the investment in young people, whilst supporting the ageing workforce to continue to work. Clarification was sought on the auto-enrolment deferral and it was explained that auto-enrolment already took place, but the automatic annual re-enrolment of those who had opted out was being deferred to 2017/18.

Concern was expressed regarding sickness absence that following a long period of low sickness absence, there had been a sharp increase over the previous year. In response it was reported that there had been a few long term sickness cases which had distorted the figures, but that in the first couple of months of 2014/15, sickness absence had again reduced and was likely to produce an outturn of around 8 days. Concern was also expressed at the suggestion that the sick pay policy may be reviewed, however members were assured that any suggested changes would be subject to full consultation and collective agreement.

With regard to the comment in the documents stating that the Council supported the principle of the living wage, a member asked why this wording was used and did not state that the Council was fully committed to the living wage. In response it was explained that, whilst all direct employees were paid above the living wage, in order to be fully committed it would be a requirement that all contractors used also had to support the living wage. It was hoped that this may be achieved in the future, but at the current time it had not been feasible.

On the motion of Councillor Witherford, seconded by Councillor Bray, it was

RESOLVED – the People Strategy 2014 – 2016 be approved.