Policy and Resources (Personnel) Sub-Committee 6 December 2006
From Nigov
Policy and Resources Committee Wednesday, 6th December, 2006
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MEETING OF POLICY AND RESOURCES (PERSONNEL) SUB-COMMITTEE
Members present
Councillor Moore (Deputy Chairman) (in the Chair); and Councillors Cunningham, Ekin, Kelly, P. Maskey, Moore, Mullaghan, Rodgers, Rodway and Smyth.
In attendance
- Mr. S. Black (Head of Human Resources)
- Ms. J. Minne (Principal Human Resources Advisor)
- Mr. J. Heyburn (Principal Consultant)
- Ms. J. Leslie (Principal Consultant)
- Ms. D. Murtagh (Principal Solicitor)
- Mr. B. Flynn (Committee Administrator)
Minutes
The minutes of the meeting of 9th November were taken as read and signed as correct.
Single Status
(Mr. J. Kennedy, the Council's Consultant, attended in connection with this item.)
The Sub-Committee was informed that a deputation representing the Trades Unions was in attendance to address the Members in respect of the Single Status negotiations. Accordingly, Messrs. K. Clayton, J. Dawson, T. Hagan, G. O'Fachtna, J. Parker, J. Watson, T. Wilkinson, together with Ms. A. Millar, were admitted to the meeting and welcomed by the Deputy Chairman.
Mr. O'Fachtna thanked the Members for receiving the deputation and expressed satisfaction at the progress which had been made to date and the degree of co-operation which had been evident between both Management and Trades Unions. He outlined the Trades Unions' position regarding the negotiations on the Single Status Agreement and he indicated that, whilst they were prepared, in principle, to lend their qualified support to the proposed pay and grading structures, there remained a number of outstanding issues which required further negotiation. Mr. O'Fachtna and Mr. Watson outlined areas of concern and answered a number of questions in relation thereto. In addition, Mr. O'Fachtna requested that the Sub-Committee consider providing additional resources to the Trades Unions to assist them in their consultations with their members in the implementation of the Single Status Agreement.
The Deputy Chairman thanked the deputation for attending and they retired from the meeting.
B Policy and Resources (Personnel) Sub-Committee, 887 Wednesday, 6th December, 2006
A lengthy discussion ensued regarding the issues which had been raised. A number of Members expressed concern regarding the Trades Unions' request for additional staff resources. However, it was pointed out that, given the importance of the issue to the Council, it would be beneficial to agree to the Trades Unions' request.
After discussion, the Sub-Committee agreed to the secondment, until February, 2007, of two additional officers to assist the Trades Unions in their consultation with their members in respect of the Single Status Agreement.
Revised Pay and Grading Structure
The Sub-Committee received a presentation in connection with proposals for a revised pay and grading structure to be introduced across the Council in accordance with the Single Status Agreement. Ms. Leslie, Principal Business Improvement Consultant outlined three options and provided information on the financial impact of each option. Accordingly, she recommended that the Sub-Committee adopt the following option as the Council's position:
(i) that no further work be undertaken regarding the process of job uploading or re-designation;
(ii) that the salary grade boundaries for staff on Scales Two and Three be extended by one spinal point. It was noted that there would be no cost to the Council in this regard until 1st April, 2008 and that the total costs over a three year period would not exceed £50,000; and
(iii) that compensation for actual loss at 1st April, 2007, be paid to such staff on a one-off basis by a multiple factor of three times to one. It was noted that this proposal would cost the Council approximately £136,000.
The Head of Human Resources pointed out that, should the Council adopt the proposed option, it would result in the introduction of an equality-proofed pay and grading structure for all staff from 1st April, 2007. In addition, it would eliminate the necessity for staff to be placed on pay protection and would increase the likelihood of the acceptance by staff of the overall Single Status Agreement. He informed the Sub-Committee that, given the timescale for the implementation of the Single Status Agreement, the adoption of the above-mentioned position would permit negotiations to be progressed on the issues still outstanding.
After a lengthy discussion, the Sub-Committee adopted the recommendation.
Payment of Retention Allowances in Information Services Belfast
The Sub-Committee considered the undernoted report.
The Sub-Committee adopted the recommendations as outlined in the report as the Management-Side position for consultation with the Trades Unions.
Timetable for the Implementation of the Single Status Agreement
The Head of Human Resources informed the Members of the proposed timetable in respect of the implementation of the Single Status Agreement. It was noted that the meeting of the Sub-Committee to be held on 11th January would deal solely with matters relating to this issue.
Chairman
