Policy and Resources (Personnel) Sub-Committee 14 September 2006
From Nigov
Policy and Resources Committee
Thursday, 14th September, 2006
MEETING OF POLICY AND RESOURCES (PERSONNEL) SUB-COMMITTEE
Members present: Councillor Cobain (Chairman); and Councillors N. Dodds, Moore, Rodgers and Rodway.
- In attendance:
- Mr T. Salmon (Director of Corporate Services);
- Mr C. Quigley (Director of Legal Services);
- Mr G. Millar (Director of Improvement);
- Mr S. Black (Head of Human Resources);
- Ms G. McLarnon (Senior Human Resources Advisor);
- Mr J. Kennedy (Head of Single Status Project); and
- Mr N. Malcolm (Committee Administrator).
Apologies
Apologies for inability to attend were reported from Councillors Cunningham, Kelly and Mullaghan.
Minutes
The minutes of the meeting of 10th August were taken as read and signed as correct.
Review of Vacancy Control Process
The Sub-Committee considered a report regarding the above-mentioned matter, a copy of which, with the exception of the appendices referred to therein, is set out hereunder.
After discussion, the Sub-Committee adopted the recommendations set out in the report.
Single Status Implementation
The Sub-Committee considered the undernoted report in respect of the implementation of Single Status.
The Head of the Single Status Project drew the Members’ attention to various aspects of the report. He indicated that the issue of “Task and Finish” was being dealt with as a separate issue and that, together with the Head of Human Resources, he had met recently with representatives of the Trade Unions to discuss the matter. He pointed out that the number of staff to which “Task and Finish” applied was reducing. He assured the Sub-Committee that, when the discussions with the Trade Unions had concluded, a report in the matter would be submitted to a future meeting.
In regard to the issue of compensation, the Head of the Single Status Project indicated that, under the Equal Pay Act 1970 which gave female workers the right to equal pay for work of equal value, equal pay claims had been lodged with tribunals in other parts of the United Kingdom. Many of these had been settled in favour of the female staff. In order to avoid litigation, many Local Authorities in the United Kingdom had made offers of compensation to such staff. He indicated that, having discussed the matter with the Directors of Legal Services and Corporate Services, he was of the view that the Council should consider making similar offers to any predominantly female groups of staff who could have a case under the Equal Pay Act and confirmed that the Council had established a reserve fund to deal with any liabilities which might result from the introduction of Single Status.
The Head of the Single Status Project outlined to the Sub-Committee the manner in which the compensation would be calculated. This would involve a matrix approach which would take into account such issues as length of service and contracted hours. He pointed out that this method, which had been used by many Authorities in England and Scotland, was considered to be a fair and reasonable means to deal with the situation. Accordingly, he requested that the Sub-Committee adopt this proposal as the Council’s position on the payment of compensation in order to enable Council officers to hold negotiations with the Trade Unions.
In answer to a Members’ question, the Director of Legal Services indicated that the adoption of this approach would not guarantee that other claims might not be made against the Council but he was of the view that any such cases should be contested by the Council.
Following a lengthy discussion in the matter, the Sub-Committee agreed that the proposal outlined above be adopted as the Council’s position in relation to the payment of compensation. In addition, the Sub-Committee adopted the recommendations contained within the foregoing report.
Single Status Flexible Working Arrangements
The Sub-Committee considered a report regarding flexible working arrangements. A copy of the report, with the exception of the appendices referred to therein, is set out hereunder.
Following discussion in the matter, the Sub-Committee noted the information which had been provided and adopted the Management Preferred Position regarding the Local Agreement as outlined by the Head of Single Status Project.
Trade Union Facilities Agreement
The Head of Human Resources reminded the Sub-Committee that, at its meeting on 20th October, 2004, it had approved the recommendations, as amended, within the McCartan Report on Trade Union Consultation and Resourcing and noted that this would form the basis of a Trade Union Facilities Agreement.
He reported that the Facilities Agreement had been discussed by the Trade Union Facilities Group on a number of occasions and that the Group had approved the final draft of the Agreement at a meeting held on 24th August.
He pointed out that the Agreement was based on the Labour Relations Agency’s Code of Practice on Time off for Trade Union Duties and Activities and satisfied legislative requirements in this regard. The Head of Human Resources pointed out that a copy of the Facilities Agreement was available for inspection in the Members’ Library.
After discussion, the Sub-Committee noted the information which had been provided regarding the Trade Union Facilities Agreement and noted also that it would be subject to review following a period of two years.
Quarterly Report on Overtime and Employment of Agency Staff
The Sub-Committee considered a report on Overtime and the Employment of Agency Staff. A copy of the report, with the exception of the appendices referred to therein, is set out hereunder.
After discussion, the Sub-Committee noted the information which had been provided.
Absence Management
The Sub-Committee noted a report (This should be requested under Freedom of Information) regarding the organisational reporting, monitoring and accountability roles for the management of absence and the absence rates for the period April to June. The Sub-Committee noted also the next steps which would be undertaken to support the management of absence throughout the Council.
The Council’s Joint Consultative Committee
The agenda and minutes of the meeting of the Belfast City Council Joint Consultative Committee which had been held on 15th June were submitted for consideration. (This should be requested under Freedom of Information)
The Sub-Committee noted the information which had been provided.
Standing Order 56 – Employment of a Relative
It was reported that, in accordance with Standing Order 56 and the authority delegated to him by the Sub-Committee, the Director of Corporate Services had authorised the employment of Ms. C. Lewis to the position of Casual Centre Attendant. Ms. Lewis was related to an existing officer of the Council.
The Sub-Committee noted the appointment.
Chairman
