Agenda item

To consider a report by Councillor Mark Young, Lead Member for Corporate Standards (copy enclosed) presenting a number of employment policies for adoption.

RESOLVED that Cabinet –

(a)       approves the employment policies as detailed within the report for adoption within the Council, and

(b)       confirms that it has read, understood and taken account of the Well-being Impact Assessments (appended to the report) as part of its consideration.

Councillor Mark Young presented the report recommending adoption of six employment policies which had been developed/revised in consultation with the recognised Trade Unions.  The six policies covered the following –

(1)       Attendance at Work Procedure (revised policy)

(2)       Reasonable Adjustments Guidance (new policy)

(3)       Menopause Policy (new policy)

(4)       Alcohol and Substance Misuse Policy (revised policy)

(5)       No Smoking Policy (revised policy)

(6)       Emergency Leave contained within the Time off Work Policy (revised wording)

Councillor Young summarised the process prior to policies being submitted to Cabinet for approval which included consultation via a Policy Working Group consisting of representatives from Human Resources, Legal and the Trade Unions before submission to the Local Joint Consultative Committee (LJCC) which included both Employer and Trade Union representatives.  Feedback on the process had been positive from all parties and the LJCC had recommended the policies to Cabinet for adoption.

The Lead Business Partner – Organisational Development provided a brief summary of each policy, highlighting the proposed changes within existing policies and need for new policies together with the reasons therefore, which included legislative changes and clarity to ensure a correct and consistent approach.

Cabinet considered the report and noted that all policies had been subject to an individual Wellbeing Impact Assessment.  Having been involved within the process Councillor Richard Mainon was keen for the policies to be adopted and he commended the process and paid tribute to the hard work of all those involved in bringing the policies forward.  He added that the full impact of the policies had been accurately reflected in the Wellbeing Impact Assessments, including recognising any unintended consequences as a result, and he clarified the element with regard to the Attendance at Work Policy and potential loss of skills through ill health.

RESOLVED that Cabinet –

(a)       approves the employment policies as detailed within the report for adoption within the Council, and

(b)       confirms that it has read, understood and taken account of the Well-being Impact Assessments (appended to the report) as part of its consideration.