Agenda item

Sarah Messenger (Head of Workforce) and Jeff Huston (Head of Pensions) introduced the report which updated on workforce activity in the areas of: Workforce Strategy; Pay; and Negotiation.   In doing so, they sought Members’ views on two specific issues: sleeping in payment; and a Public Health England network on compassionate management.

In the following discussion, several comments were made, including:

·         There was a lengthy discussion regarding the potential options to address the issues of compliance with the National Living Wage (NLW) for staff required to “sleep-in”, in which a number of different and contrasting views were expressed.  Given the complexity of the issues and the significant impact, the Board asked for a report setting out the implications of the various options as well as examples from across the public and private sector.  In the interests of expediency, it was agreed that this report would be circulated to the Board, whom would feed their views into Lead Members to make a decision. 

·         With regards to the invitation to join a Public Health England social movement on compassionate management, the Board questioned the purpose and objective of the network and emphasised the importance of targeting resources effectively.  Within this context, they agreed that the invitation be declined unless there was strong supporting evidence to the contrary.

·         Questions were asked regarding the precise challenges of recruiting and retaining planning specialists and joint working between the NHS and local government on the workforce aspects of health and social care integration.

Decisions

The Resources Board:

      i.        noted the update;

     ii.        agreed that a report setting out the options around compliance with the National Living Wage (NLW) for staff required to “sleep-in” be shared with the Board and sent to Lead Members for decision; and

    iii.        agreed not to join Public Health England’s social movement for compassionate management unless further compelling evidence was submitted to the Board.

Actions

Provide further information on whether the LGA is planning to explore developing a sector wide Apprenticeship programme. [Sarah Messenger]

Circulate report on compliance with the National Living Wage (NLW) for staff required to “sleep-in”.  [Sarah Messenger]