Minutes

Resolved:- That, under Section 100A(4) of the Local Government Act 1972, the press and public be excluded from the meeting for the following items of business on the grounds that they involve the likely disclosure of exempt information as defined in Paragraph 1 of Part I of Schedule 12A to the Local Government Act 1972 (staffing matters).

Shona McFarlane, Director of Health and Wellbeing, presented the submitted report which provided an update on progress made towards implementing the changes inherent in Shifting the Balance.

The report outlined the steps that had been taken, and the steps that were now required in order to ensure that the domiciliary care service could provide a service fit for the future with specific reference to the need to impose certain changes on staff.

Details of the risks and uncertainties involved were set out in the report and it was noted that the vast majority of employees had accepted the revised working arrangements.

It was noted there was a further meeting with the Trades Unions on 7th January, 2009.

Resolved:- (1) That the position statement outlining progress made in relation to the staffing element of the Shifting the Balance programme be noted.

(2) That those Home Care Staff who have not agreed to participate positively in the service redesign and implementation of service efficiencies be dismissed and offered re-employment.

(3) That discussions with trades unions take place and a S188 notice, in accordance with employment legislation, be issued.

Phil Howe, Assistant Chief Executive, Human Resources,  presented the submitted report which set out the proposed process and associated issues for Directorates in addressing employment matters with budget reductions. 

Full details of the proposals were set out in the report, together with details of the risks and uncertainties and the financial implications.

Resolved:- (1) That the adoption of suitable measures, including cessation of non-critical overtime, be supported and Directors urgently review Agency requirements and give consideration to filling essential vacancies only.

(2) That the use of the process, set out in the appendix attached to the report, be endorsed and include the circulation of a general briefing to seek contact with those who may be interested in early retirement.

(3) That, in relation to flexible or early retirement situations, Directorates adopt a no cost or lowest cost approach if it was necessary to achieve savings in employment costs.

(4) That costs be contained within current Council policy limits but CMT emphasise the need to demonstrate savings within the year they retire including on-costs and any consequential regradings or recruitment costs.

(5) That Directorates’ budgets be charged where costs were not contained within normal actuarial assumptions.

(6) That a separate and specific consultation process be adopted where either redundancy or TUPE situations were required.