Issue - meetings

INFORMATION NOTE OF THE HR SERVICE MANAGER

To receive an update on the progress made in the last quarter on the People Recovery Plan and general HR related activities

IT WAS AGREED: That the Information Note entitled HR Update be noted.

REASON FOR DECISION: To enable the Committee to consider the Information Note entitled HR Update.

Audio Recording: 8:45

The HR Operations Manager presented the report entitled HR Update and drew attention to points including:

·         Since restrictions have lifted there has been a gradual return to the office;

·         Several measures still in place including facemasks, distancing and desk cleaning;

·         The higher turnover is reflected in increased recruitment activity. 2 posts advertised at this time had to be advertised again due to low interest;

·         In the process of recruiting three further apprentice posts;

·         Section 3.6 covers the pay award which is now outdated; have now had an agreement on the 2021 pay award, and has been processed for March;

·         The 2022 pay bargaining isn’t expected to begin until next month, there will be another delay until that has been agreed;

·         The inclusion group met in December and discussed sexual orientation and gender; overall it was felt that the Council is a inclusive place to work;

·         COVID absences have increased, this is expected due to the cases currently in the District;

·         Overall short term absences have continued to increase, felt this is due to be from the lifting of restrictions and the increased likelihoods of minor illnesses circulating;

·         Labour turnover is at a high, it has slowed down in the last three months but expect these high levels to continue.

The following Members asked questions:

·         Councillor Kate Aspinwall

·         Councillor Claire Strong

In response to questions, the HR Operations Manager advised:

·         The Council has actioned the pay award quicker than most other councils; the pay negotiations are in the hands of the national employers.

·         The values of the Council are single words to ensure they are memorable; there will be some description as part of the communication about these values.

·         Some employees have had long COVID, managers have been supported to ensure the employees that are suffering from this are provided with what is needed.

IT WAS AGREED: That the Information Note entitled HR Update be noted.

REASON FOR DECISION: To enable the Committee to consider the Information Note entitled HR Update.