Issue - meetings

The Committee will consider an update on discussions with the unions to change the following employment terms and procedures:

• Car and travel allowance
• Grievance procedure
• Capability procedure
• Disciplinary procedure
• Sickness absence disciplinary  procedure

 The committee considered an update on current discussions with the unions to change employment terms and procedures relating to car allowance .The key changes being taken forward in negotiations were changes in the number of miles that an employee could claim for in the car allowance scheme and limiting member involvement in disciplinary hearings    to dismissal appeals only.  Instead of a complete re hearing of the case (as the current situation with dismissal, grievances and relegation hearings) there would instead be a review of the officer case which would considerably shorten the length of the hearing.

 There was some disappointment that the member involvement in disciplinary hearings had not been withdrawn completely however it was accepted that the outcome from the negotiations with the unions was a key step forward.

 A member commented that the reduction of staff working for council should equate   to a reduction in the number of essential user permits issued and held by staff resulting in a saving for services.  The ACE agreed to check that savings made by each service in the reduction of permits and email this information to committee members.

RESOLVED

That progress be noted