Agenda and minutes

Before the meeting began, the Chair held a minute of silence for former Councillor Ken Walker and his late wife Freda Walker following the incident at their home last weekend.

An apology for absence was received from Karen Hanson (Executive Director of Resources).

To note any urgent items of business which the Chairman has consented to being considered under the provisions of Section 100(B) 4(b) of the Local Government Act 1972.

There were no urgent items.

Members should declare the existence and nature of any Disclosable Pecuniary Interest and Non Statutory Interest as defined by the Members’ Code of Conduct in respect of:

a)  any business on the agenda

b)  any urgent additional items to be considered

c)  any matters arising out of those items

and if appropriate, withdraw from the meeting at the relevant time.

There were no declarations of interest.

To consider the minutes of the last meeting held on 30^th September 2021

Moved by Councillor Andrew Joesbury and seconded by Councillor Graham Parkin

RESOLVED that the minutes of the Union / Employee Consultation Committee meeting on 30^th September 2021 be confirmed as a true and correct record.

The HR and Organisational Development Manager presented the Sickness Absence Quarter 3 (October – December 2021) report. She explained how COVID-19 had been a significant factor in increases during this quarter, and the key reasons why were a return to normal social mixing, schools returning and employees returning to the office.

Members enquired about absences by each department. The HR and Organisational Development Manager explained that averages by department were set out in Appendix 1 to the report.

Councillor Graham Parkin asked if the number of people working from home had a bearing on the number of absences. The HR and Organisational Development Manager confirmed this to be the case, and added that frontline services would experience more COVID-19 infections because of their inability to work from home.

Councillor Tom Kirkham asked which policies were in place to cover teams who had officers with long-term sickness absence. The HR and Organisational Development Manager explained that there was a Sickness Absence Policy in place, and managers were asked for ways they can be supported.

Councillor Mary Dooley asked what the timeline was for supporting people with a long-term absence. The HR and Organisational Development Manager explained that their manager would speak with them within four weeks, and then within eight weeks HR would take the next step, such as a phased return or a convalescence period.

Councillor Andrew Joesbury acknowledged the amount of stress staff were under at the moment. The Executive Director of Strategy and Development explained that the HR and Organisational Development Manager had produced an e-mail telling staff where they can find support on stress. Councillor Mary Dooley requested that this e-mail be sent out to all staff and all Members.

Councillor Maxine Dixon asked what the process was for an employee to report a COVID-19 infection. The HR and Organisational Development Manager explained that staff were told to talk to their managers first, and HR informed managers of isolation periods and the questions they must ask.

Chris McKinney (UNISON) referred to the section of the report which read: “Mental Health awareness sessions are being delivered across the Council as part of the Council’s quarterly corporate training programme.” 

Councillor Andrew Joesbury moved and Councillor Mary Dooley seconded

RESOLVED

(i) That the Committee would receive feedback on how the mental health awareness sessions progress;

(ii) That the Committee notes the report.