To approve the 2019 pay policy statement for publication.

Council considered a report from the Chairperson of the Employment Panel concerning the pay policy statement at the council.

The Chairperson of the Employment Panel proposed and introduced the report. The recommendations presented to Council had been agreed by the Employment Panel. There was a requirement to approve the pay policy every year. The changes to the pay policy included new pay scales which had been agreed nationally by the National Joint Council. The new pay scales addressed cost of living concernsand supported those on the lowest wage at the council. It was noted that some authorities had moved away from the nationally agreed pay scales but this would represent a breach of contract of employment for employees at the council.

 A member asked if there had been any progress in addressing the gender pay gap at the council. The chief executive confirmed that the outcomes of the gender pay gap assessment had been published on the website.

A member commended the council for paying the living wage recommended by the living wage foundation.

The recommendations in the report were put to the vote and approved unanimously.

RESOLVED: That:

(a)       the pay policy statement at appendix A is approved.

(b)       Council approves in year recruitment, should the need arise, to any posts listed with salaries over £100,000.