Issue - meetings

Report of the Interim Chief Executive attached.

Decision made (Unanimously):

That Cabinet approves the inclusion of the revised redundancy policy in the Pay Policy to be approved by Council.

The Leader of the Council, Councillor Paul Foster presented a report of the Interim Chief Executive which informed members of the revised Redundancy Policy for consideration.

Redundancy payment is based upon a specific number of weeks’ pay, in accordance with the age of an employee and length of service. It is calculated in line with the statutory calculation. The council’s redundancy policy was last reviewed in 2014, at this time the number of weeks payable increased by a multiple of 2.2. This was incrementally removed over two years and the policy now only pays redundancy compensation for both Compulsory and Voluntary redundancy on the statutory number of weeks entitlement.

It was now being proposed to reintroduce the multiplier of 2.2 for compulsory redundancies and give the Head of Paid Service delegated authority, for those seeking voluntary redundancy, to enhance the compensation payment up to equivalent of 2.2.

In response to a question from Councillor Colin Clark regarding financial support and control of financial contributions, it was confirmed that financial impacts would be considered if/when it got to the point of redundancy. The Leader of the Council confirmed that statutory officers were in place to support this and the cabinet were confident with the proposals.

Decision made (Unanimously):

That Cabinet approves the inclusion of the revised redundancy policy in the Pay Policy to be approved by Council.

Reason(s) for the decision:

The changes to the redundancy policy will support the wellbeing of employees faced with a redundancy situation.

Alternative Options Considered and Rejected:

No alternatives have been considered.