Agenda item

(a)       That the report be noted; and

(b)       That the Head of Human Resources and Organisational Development             provide further information on the data behind the information reported

Prior to the introduction of the report, Councillor P.G. Heesom requested that the consideration of the report be deferred.  Councillor A. Woolley asked that it not be deferred as he had significant concerns about some of the information within the report.  Deferment was not supported by the Committee. 

            The Head of Human Resources and Organisational Development introduced a report to provide Members with an update for the third quarter 2012/13 on the following areas:-

• Establishment
• Headcount
• Agency
• Early Retirements (First and third quarter reports only)
• Turnover
• Diversity
• Absence

She confirmed that there had been an exchange of queries from Councillor Woolley and that discussions may need to take place with the Workforce Planning and Information Manager to address any ongoing concerns. 

The Head of Human Resources and Organisational Development detailed the main changes to the report on establishment and explained that the actions taken would be monitored on a monthly basis.  It was anticipated that the work undertaken would provide a more accurate position on vacancies despite on-going organisational change.  The number of agency placements were reported and there had been a decrease of 26% when compared to the same quarter in the previous financial year.  Details of the early retirements for the period were reported and information on absence was also shown.  The number of days lost through absence has increased slightly when comparing it to the same period in 2011/12 but the Head of Human Resources and Organisational Development explained that the submission of paperwork from the Directorates confirming that employees had returned to work usually led to this figure reducing in the forthcoming period.  The figures were similar to those of the All Wales average (which compared local authorities) but the targets set by Flintshire County Council for 2012/13 were not being met and this had been reflected in the performance report submitted to Cabinet in March 2013 where a ‘red’ status was reported.  The Head of Human Resources and Organisational Development explained that this was an area where improvement was required.  For quarter four, the absence by service area would be reported and work was to commence to identify those absences recorded as ‘other’. 

            The Chairman queried what had been the cause of the absence rate for quarter 3 which was the worst reported figure for two years.  Councillor Woolley requested further information on the data behind the information reported as he was unable to calculate the number of employees who worked for the Council from the information provided in the Workforce Information appendices which had been made available for Councillors in Member Services.  He also queried the figures reported in paragraph 3.01 and asked for an explanation of the calculations used.  The Head of Human Resources and Organisational Development said that the information had been provided to Councillor Woolley but that she was happy to discuss the figures outside the meeting and that additional information could be provided for future reports. 

            The Cabinet Member felt that those with 100% attendance records should be recognised.  Councillors Heesom and Hampson expressed concern about the absence figures, the lack of improvement and the importance of managing the issue.  The Head of Human Resources and Organisational Development confirmed that work was ongoing with managers to ensure that they were aware of their responsibilities and added that policies were in place which could lead to dismissal if unacceptable levels of absence continued.  Councillor Curtis queried whether consideration was given to how local businesses in the private sector dealt with sickness.  The Head of Human Resources and Organisational Development said that commitment would be given to looking at good practice within the private sector but that the important issue was to ensure that managers managed and followed the policy.  In response to a query from the Chairman about seasonal variances for Agency workers, she said that she would provide detailed information in future reports for Overview and Scrutiny.  She also responded to a question about the flexi system but reminded Members that not all staff were subject to it. 

RESOLVED:

(a)       That the report be noted; and

(b)       That the Head of Human Resources and Organisational Development             provide further information on the data behind the information reported