Agenda item

To receive an update on the National Pay Award, proposed employment related legislative changes and an update on the Deputy Chief Executive arrangements.

The Employment in Hampshire County Council (EHCC) Committee considered a report of the Director of Human Resources, Organisational Development and Communications & Engagement providing an update on; the 2021 and 2022 National Pay Award; Special Severance Payments statutory guidance; potential employment related legislative changes; an update on the Deputy Chief Executive Arrangements and processes relating to the appointment of Chief Officers and Deputy Chief Officers.

The Director summarised the report and Committee Members asked questions for clarification and commented on the content. It was noted that the pay award for 2021 had been paid and the unions had put in their request for the 2022 award. It was discussed that for 2022 and beyond there would be a financial challenge, due to the cost-of-living increases.

It was noted that the EHCC agreement requires the application of the nationally agreed pay award to EHCC Grades A-G inclusive. Authority was being sought to apply the same pay award to grades H and above if it was no more than 4.5% over two years, in line with budget arrangements. If the settlement was higher than this, a decision would be brought back to EHCC.

It was noted that numbers of special severance payments made by Hampshire County Council were very low and there had been none over £100,000 in the recent past.

RESOLVED:

1.    That EHCC note that the National Pay Award for 2021 has been implemented.

2.    That EHCC note the current status of negotiations on the National Pay Award for 2022 (which applies from 1 April 2022) 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.

3.    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 4.5% over 2 years in line with budget arrangements. If the settlement is higher than this, a decision will be brought back to EHCC.

4.    That EHCC note the issues that will need to be addressed for 2024.

5.    That EHCC notes the new statutory guidance on Special Severance Payments.

6.    That EHCC confirms the Chief Executive has authority to approve Special Severance Payments to non-Chief Officers or Deputy Chief Officers leaving the Council, provided that any Special Severance Payments of £20,000 and above but below £100,000, shall be approved in consultation with the Chairman of EHCC; and

7.    That EHCC recommends to the County Council that it remains the appropriate Committee to agree Chief Officer remuneration, for Chief Officers above Grade K, including individual salary offers in respect of any new Chief Officer appointments or severance packages for Chief Officers leaving the County Council and any Special Severance Payments to any Officer of £100,000 or more, in accordance with the Pay Statement.

8.    That EHCC notes the other updates on government consultations and potential employment legislation changes set out in the paper.

9.    That EHCC notes the processes for the appointment of Chief Officers and Deputy Chief Officers.

10.That EHCC note the arrangements proposed in relation to the appointment of a Deputy Chief Executive.