Musrat Zaman, Director of Workforce, OD and Business Support briefly gave an update to the Committee, which detailed the level and management of employee relations casework with the Council and highlighted progress made. The report related to the period from April 2022 – June 2022. This was the first quarterly report since the last General Purposes Committee held on the 21 June, which previously requested annual  submittance.

The number of open cases and policy development improvements were highlighted. Staff now have easier access to all policies in one location via The Bridge. Various policies have been revised and details of a proposed consultation process were set out in relation to Death in Service, Organisational changes and Redeployment. Proposals to the Smarter Working policy have been put on hold at this time.

Following the presentation the Committee:

-        Expressed concern that details on the Smarter Working policy proposals being held were given as a verbal update and not reflected in the report.  

-        Clarification on if the Organisational and Redeployment policy changes are Executive Decisions, or if discussions are currently taking place, as this has not been reflected in the report.

Musrat informed the Committee that any policy organisational and redeployment changes are non-executive decisions. Trade Unions have been informed of an Informal work plan, although no formal consultations on the statutory policy have taken place.

RESOLVED

1.    That the report be noted.