Issue - meetings

To receive an update on the National Pay Award, proposed employment related legislative changes and the terms and conditions for future Chief Officer appointments.

The Employment in Hampshire County Council (EHCC) Committee considered a report of the Director of Corporate Resources providing an update on the National Pay Award, proposed employment related legislative changes and a change to terms and conditions for future appointments to Chief Officers on the Corporate Management Team.

It was noted that a pay award of 1% had been allowed for in the budget, and a report would be brought back to the committee if the award agreed nationally was higher than 1.5%. It was reported that the government were consulting on proposals to require Councils to publish data on exit payments on an annual basis. It was also noted that the normal minimum pension age was currently 55 and would rise to 57 in 2028.

It was proposed to make future Corporate Management Team appointments on EHCC terms and conditions with 30 days annual leave. Members asked questions for clarification.

RESOLVED:

1.    That EHCC note the current position of national pay negotiations and agree to apply the national pay award to EHCC Grades A – G and payments for standby and sleeping in duties, once national negotiations have concluded as contractually obliged to do so.

2.    As in previous years, that EHCC agree to officers applying the same national pay award to EHCC Grades H and above, on the presumption that it is no more than 1.5%. If the settlement is higher than this a decision will be brought back to EHCC. Consultation with recognised Trade Unions will be undertaken regarding this decision.

3.    EHCC notes that if in the national negotiations the employer side considers making or accepting an offer which is higher than 1.5% overall, updates will be provided to EHCC and Cabinet as required to advise of the implications including any unfunded financial pressure created consequently.

4.    That EHCC note the ongoing national discussions regarding exit payments.

5.    That EHCC note the forthcoming change in 2028 to the Normal Minimum Pension Age.

6.    That EHCC agree all future Corporate Management Team (CMT) appointments will be made on EHCC terms and conditions only, with 30 days annual leave. Other Chief Officers, who are not members of CMT, will continue to be appointed on EHCC terms and conditions only.