Issue - meetings

The Committee heard from the Assistant Director Commercial and Operations with a report to update Members on the potential impact on front line services of the current national shortage of HGV Drivers and to propose a pay increase to bring drivers’ pay in line with neighbouring authorities. He brought attention to the financial details in the report and noted that, contrary to the information detailed there, the total costs to the council would be less than indicated in the report.

Members wished to express their thanks to all waste services operatives for their hard work throughout the pandemic and for continuing to provide a full service through difficult circumstances. The importance of retaining drivers was recognised, as well as the potential impact of losing qualified drivers to the private sector. Whilst the benefits of working for a Local Authority were considerable, such as hours of working, paid leave and pension contributions, there was disparity of salary levels even in comparison to other councils in the county.

Members were supportive of the options for offering apprenticeships, recognising that not only was it important to train the next generation of drivers but also ensure progression opportunities throughout the service.

Having been proposed and seconded, the Chairman took the vote and it was unanimously

            RESOLVED that

a)    Option 3 of the report, to increase drivers pay by the proposed amount, offer a £500 loyalty bonus for all current HGV drivers and a £500 training and recruitment incentive, be approved; and

b)    the use of the General Fund Balance to fund the Market Factor Enhancements for Refuse Drivers be approved; and

c)    officers be commissioned to investigate the possibility of employing driver apprentices, working up to a qualification to include a HGV licence.