Issue - meetings

As per the recommendation.

The Cabinet Member for Corporate Management introduced a project update and assurance report on the delivery of the Single Status and Equal Pay Projects.

            The Head of Human Resources and Organisation Development explained that a workforce communication had been issued to all employees on 8 February, 2012, outlining the new timetable, the key milestones for completion and the target implementation date.  Since that time considerable progress had been made in delivering the workstreams of the project and a further workforce communication had been issued in early May, 2012 to update employees on progress made and the next steps in the project plan. 

            Initial negotiation discussions had commenced in May, 2012 with Trade Unions on the design of a new pay and grading structure, terms and conditions of employment and Equal Pay.  The detailed pay modelling exercise was due to begin in June, 2012.

            The Chief Executive provided further details around the workstreams as detailed in the report.  The project timetable gave an implementation date of November, 2012 with a ballot, which will be organised by the Trade Unions, expected to take place in September, 2012 and will give employees who are Trade Union members the opportunity to vote on the proposed agreement.  Member Workshops will be arranged in due course to bring all Members up to date on the delivery of the Single Status and Equal Pay Projects.

            The Leader commented that this was a complex issue and needed to be progressed to enable the Council to move forward.  He provided details on the potential cost of the proposed Single Status Agreement and the settlement of Equal Pay claims which would be an additional financial challenge to the Council.            

RESOLVED:

That the project update be noted.