Decision details

The Secretary to the Employer’s Side submitted a report detailing the new Carers Policy which had been developed as a result of recommendations from the Council’s Health and Wellbeing Panel.  She stated that the policy mirrored that of Hertfordshire County Council.

In response to a query from Councillor A Jackson regarding Bereavement Leave, the Secretary to the Employer’s Side confirmed that this incorrectly stated “should not exceed 5 days in a leave year” and should match the wording in the general leave policy

Councillor J Thornton raised the issue of an informal caring arrangement of a friend.  The Director of Finance and Support Services reminded Members about the duty of care the employer had to its employees and suggested that the definition of the caring role, could be specified further.  This was supported.  The Director of Finance and Support Services stated that it was for the employee to declare if they had a caring role and that a member of staff should not feel under pressure to have to declare this, although we would encourage staff to, so that we can support them better. 

In response to a query from the Chairman, regarding the process of fairness or resolving a problem, the Secretary to the Employer’s explained that the first step would be to discuss the issue with their line manager and then, if this was not satisfactorily resolved, to use the Grievance Procedure.  The Secretary to the Employer’s Side explained that the spirit of the policy was to help staff in supporting their caring role.

Councillor A Jackson agreed that the policy was about identifying and recognising the challenges and in trying to provide support.  He welcomed the fact that the Council now had a separate policy rather than it being embedded within other policies.

The Panel, recommended approval of the report as now amended.

RECOMMENDED – that the Carers Policy, as now amended, be approved.