Issue - meetings

To receive a report of the Chief Executive considering how best to address the current workforce issues and recognise the work done by all staff throughout the pandemic and to show the council’s appreciation for their efforts.

The Cabinet had before it a *report of the Chief Executive considering how best to address the current workforce issues and recognise the work done by all staff throughout the pandemic and to show the council’s appreciation for their efforts.

The Cabinet Member for Working Environment and Support Services outlined the contents of the report thanking all members who had recognised the work of officers during the pandemic, those who had worked behind the scenes, and those who had provided food and emergency welfare and responded to the civil emergency.  Although challenges were slightly different there was still the same level of pressure with regard to resources.  It was felt that this work needed to be recognised. She felt that the recommendation within the report required clarification and therefore put forward the following wording with regard to (1) to read that:

1. That Cabinet recommends to Council that the efforts of all council staff are publicly recognised:

·         with a statement of appreciation recognising the extraordinary   efforts and lengths they have gone to over the past 20 months;

·         the addition of a 'wellbeing' day (per fte) to their leave allowance; and

·         a one-off, non-pensionable award of £250 (per fte) in January's pay

Consideration was given to:

·         The percentage of staff turnover and the issues with retention of staff – it was felt that retention of staff was a national problem for local government at this time

·         Whether Members should receive a briefing on staffing issues

·         The need to acknowledge the work of the staff

·         Regular six monthly updates on workforce matters received by the Scrutiny Committee

RECOMMENDED to Council that:

·         with a statement of appreciation recognising the extraordinary efforts and lengths they have gone to over the past 20 months;

·       the addition of a 'wellbeing' day (per fte) to their leave allowance; and

·       a one-off, non-pensionable award of £250 (per fte) in January's pay

(Proposed by Cllr Mrs N Woollatt and seconded by Cllr Mrs C P Daw)

Note:  *Report previously circulated, copy attached to minutes.