Agenda item

To consider a report by Councillor Barbara Smith, Lead Member for Modernisation and Housing (copy enclosed) recommending approval of a number of employment policies.

RESOLVED that Cabinet adopt the employment policies as detailed within the report.

Councillor Barbara Smith presented the report recommending approval of eight employment policies which had been developed/revised.  The report detailed four new policies and highlighted proposed changes within the existing policies and the reasons therefore.  Reference was made to the consultation process and although the Local Joint Consultative Committee had been inquorate when considering the policies, both unions and members were happy to recommend their adoption.

During consideration of the Equal Opportunities in Employment Policy Councillor Huw Jones queried the impact of the new Welsh Language Standards.  Officers confirmed that the Welsh Language was not a protected characteristic as set out in the equalities legislation and there were other policies relating to language, including the Council’s own Welsh Language scheme.  Assurances were also sought regarding consistent application of the policies across the authority and officers reported upon the active promotion of the policies at various management meetings and their promotion and availability on the intranet.  The documents had been reformatted for ease of use and templates had been included for consistency.

RESOLVED that Cabinet adopt the employment policies as detailed within the report.