Issue - meetings

Councillor David Cotton, as the Chairman of the Joint Staff Consultative Committee presented the report on the Flexible Working Policy, which had been supported by the JSCC and the Unions.  Should the Corporate Policy and Resources Committee wish there to be any changes to the Policy there would need to be further consultation undertaken.

All policies were reviewed on a regular basis and those minor amendments made in line with required legislation, were set out and summarised within the report.  Members welcomed the clarity of the layout.

Councillor Shore sought statistics of the effects and outcomes of the Policy and wished to know what impact there was on the Council of employees using the Policy, and also how many requested flexible working and how many granted or denied.  It was felt that high take-up of the Policy could be detrimental and mean that fewer officers were available to be contacted.  Some departments were already difficult to get hold of.

The Director of Resources noted that the report set out the legislative changes and issues around flexible working had been tightened up, and the Policy gave protection from abuse.  It would be difficult to track individuals, but there was an expectation of availability of contact, even if employees were working at home.

Other Members felt that it would be useful to see some breakdown of statistics.

The recommendations in the report were moved, seconded and voted upon.

RESOLVED that:

a)  the Flexible Working Policy be approved and the policy be adopted for all employees of the council; and

b)    delegated authority be granted to the Director of Resources to make minor housekeeping amendments to the policy in future, in consultation with the chairman of the Corporate Policy and Resources Committee and chairman of the Joint Staff Consultative Committee.