Issue - meetings

To consider any requests received in accordance with Part 4, Section B,

paragraph 29 of the Council’s constitution.

A question was submitted by Mr Sean Fox, UNISON Joint Branch Secretary, representing all unions representing Haringey employees.

He highlighted the question of equality in the Council’s policy regarding parental leave. He explained that there was a concern that there was a building in of inequality by continuing to offer only the statutory minimum entitlement on Shared parental leave payments, as well as a risk of inequality from the failure to put in place entitlements for those who take parental responsibility for Children under special guardianship or Kinship arrangements.

The Union representative explained that they noted the current parental leave provisions which had been put in place by the Council was positive and that they were generally pleased with the policy as it stood. However, it was noted that there were felt to be deficiencies in terms of shared parental leave payments and entitlements for those who take parental responsibility for Children under special guardianship or Kinship arrangements.

The Chief People Officer provided a response. Officers stressed the difficult financial position of the Council. It was explained that there was no objection to the policy in principle, but stressed that the implementation of any shared parental leave payments would increase costs to the Council significantly. It was explained that the proposals were not recommended as the implementation would potentially lead to job losses.

Officers explained that parental responsibility for Children under special guardianship or Kinship arrangements could be considered separately by Members and that the financial implications of the development of such proposals were expected to be limited.

To consider any requests received in accordance with Part 4, Section B,

paragraph 29 of the Council’s constitution.

There were none.