Issue - meetings

            (a)       That the report be noted; and

(b)       That a report be submitted to the committee after the physiotherapy pilot has been running for six months to ascertain its effectiveness.

The Head of Human Resources and Organisational Development introduced a work force report for the first quarter of 2012/13.

                        The Head of Human Resources and Organisational Development highlighted trends and commented on exceptions.  She reported that there had been a significant reduction in the use of agency workers due to the recruitment of staff in street scene and that there had been a reduction of agency workers in Community Services.  There had been a reduction in the use of agency staff for 12 weeks or more during the last quarter.  In all, there had been a 34% reduction in the use of agency staff when compared with the same quarter last year.

The Head of Human Resources and Organisational Development reported that there had been 21 early retirements from January to June all due to redundancy which had cost £844,000.  She reported that the first quarter’s absence levels had increased in comparison with the same period the previous year and that the target of 2.30 days per FTE for quarter one had

not been achieved, with the actual figure at 2.64 days.  Delays in paper work being received from managers to notify HR of employees returning to work was a contributory factor to the target not being met. This would be reflected by a decrease in sickness absence for this quarter when the workforce information reports were generated for quarter 3 as this occurs every quarter. With regards to 100% attendance, during the first quarter of 2012, 75% or 6300 employees had achieved this.  The Head of Human Resources and Organisational Development said that attendance was a priority for the council and performance was not at the expected level.  She said that specific service areas had higher levels absence and that trends and themes would need to be investigated.  The Head of Human Resources and Organisational Development reported that absence rates for Adult Social Services had risen, and it was likely that there were many absences which were as a result of musculoskeletal issues. A pilot physiotherapy scheme for Streetscene staff had been set up in conjunction with Occupational Health and extending the pilot to employees in Adult Social Services was being considered. She stressed that potential recipients had to undertake a thorough medical assessment by Occupational Health in order to access the service.  A report would be submitted to committee after the first six months of operation in order to evaluate its effectiveness.  Performance had improved in Lifelong Learning and noted that 25% of absences were in Catering, Cleaning and Facilities Services.  She reported that overall performance in schools was good.  The Head of Human Resources and Organisational Development concluded her report by saying that Flintshire sickness absence levels over recent years have been at or below the average for all Welsh local authorities and that she wanted to see performance improve in this area.

                        Councillor P.J. Curtis said that improving performance was difficult given the wide range of jobs within the council.  Councillor Curtis said that even the  ...  view the full minutes text for item 34