Issue - meetings

The Shared Senior Human Resources Business Partner introduced the report, which set out proposed changes to the Redundancy Policy and the redundancy payment multiplier.

The Panel was advised that the proposals had been shared with the Trade Union, recognising that the Council’s current redundancy terms, particularly the payment multiplier, were less generous than those offered by neighbouring Hertfordshire authorities. It was noted that this disparity had become increasingly apparent as councils benchmarked their employment policies in preparation for potential future structural changes.

Following a benchmarking exercise across all Hertfordshire authorities, it was recommended that East Herts increased its redundancy multiplier from 2 to 2.2. The Panel was informed that any additional staffing costs arising from this change would be met from the Council’s personnel reserve. However, it was emphasised, that there were currently no planned redundancies at East Herts Council.

The Chair thanked officers for their work on the report, and this appreciation was echoed by the Panel.

Members highlighted the importance of acknowledging that Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) was anticipated, while also emphasising that there were no current plans for redundancies within the Council.

Members also requested that, in future, tracked changes be included in policy documents presented to the Panel. Officers agreed to implement this request.

It was moved by Councillor Dumont and seconded by Hilary Marsh that the recommendations, as detailed, be recommended to the Human Resources Committee for approval. After being put to the meeting and a vote taken, this motion was declared CARRIED.

RESOLVED – that it be recommended that the Human Resources Committee approve the change to the redundancy multiplier from 2 to 2.2 as outlined in the report.