Issue - meetings

Members considered a report on a proposed extra days’ holiday for all staff.

The report was introduced by Councillor David Cotton in his role as Chairman of the Joint Staff Consultative Committee, who acknowledged the work of all staff in maintaining services and meetings.  He also highlighted ‘hidden’ staff such as wardens and crematorium workers.

It was also made clear that although this paper had not been considered by a meeting of the Joint Staff Consultative Committee, it had been distributed to its Members, who were happy with the content to go forward to the Corporate Policy and Resources Committee.

Note:   Councillor Mandy Snee declared a personal interest as a family members was an officer at the Authority.  She took no part in the debate and did not vote.

Members asked questions of, and provided comment on the report.  Further information was provided:

·       There were around 18 temporary workers within the Operations Team; they were temporary because they supported the green bin collection and were with the Authority for around 8-9 months.  There was no mechanism for them to become permanent members of staff without applying for a full-time role.

Legislation required any benefits afforded to full-time staff to be dealt with through their agency;

·       One Member pointed out that people in other organisations and businesses were losing their jobs so it may not be appropriate to reward West Lindsey District Council (WLDC) staff with an extra day of leave in 2021;

·       The original intention of the report was to request of committee that staff received an additional day of annual leave on their birthday, as the offer is due to run for a calendar, rather than fiscal year.  The Chief Executive would ensure that everybody was treated fairly;

·       It would not be possible to withhold this extra day of annual leave for any staff involved in disciplinary proceedings.  Any actions taken under disciplinary processes would be taken separately to this issue and applied accordingly;

·       This offer would be a one-off gesture to recognise the commitment of WLDC staff over the preceding 10 months.

The recommendations were moved, seconded, and it was RESOLVED to approve the 1 extra day of discretionary leave for all employees of the council to recognise their efforts during an exceptional period in 2020.

Delegated authority be granted to the Chief Executive to ensure this is rolled out in 2021.