Issue - meetings

Cabinet Member: Deputy Leader of the Council

Forward Plan Ref: 2017/040

Contact: Sarah Currell, HR Manager – IBC Interface, Tel: 07867 467793

Report by Director of Human Resources (CA9).

The report provides an update on staffing numbers and related activity for the period 1 April 2017 to 30 June 2017. Progress will be tracked throughout the year on the movement of staffing numbers from those reported at 31 March 2017 as we continue to deliver our required budget savings. We also continue to track reductions since 1 April 2010 to reflect the impact on staffing numbers via delivery of our Business Strategy and Transformation programme.

The Cabinet is RECOMMENDED to note the report.

Recommendation agreed.

Cabinet considered a report that provided an update on staffing numbers and related activity for the period 1 April 2017 to 30 June 2017.

Councillor Laura Price, Opposition Deputy Leader, looked forward to the new format and welcomed the reduction in the use of agency staff. She commented that she would like to see details of the contract for the supply of our agency requirements from a single supplier. Overall there was a risk associated with the massive reduction in staff and she felt that the Council would have to work hard to keep the depth of staff required.

Councillor Heathcoat highlighted the change to the format that would allow Cabinet to follow the trend on staffing over time. In moving the recommendation Councillor Heathcoat referred to the reduction in staff numbers from 2010. There was a continuing need to monitor the balance between full time and part time workers and the use of agency staff. She explained that there were legitimate operational reasons for the use of agency staff including cover for maternity leave or sickness or to cover a short term gap as a result of the recruitment process.

RESOLVED:             to note the report.