Decision details

To consider the report of the Head of Paid Service regarding workforce and other related issues resulting from current equal pay litigation

NOTE: Some aspects of this report are being treated as confidential in accordance with the Local Authorities (Executive Arrangements) (Access to Information) (England) Regulations 2000 (as amended).

(i)  That the Chief Executive (Head of Paid Service) be given delegated authority, following consultation with the Solicitor to the Council (Monitoring Officer), Executive Director of Resources (Chief Financial Officer) and the Cabinet Member for Resources and Workforce Planning to take any action necessary (including defend, settle or in any other way take action) in relation to any Equal Pay Claims or other linked or associated matters currently made or in future made against the Council.

(ii)  That the Chief Executive (Head of Paid Service), Solicitor to the Council (Monitoring Officer), Executive Director of Resources  (Chief Financial Officer) and Head of Organisational Development be given delegated authority to take any further action necessary to give effect to the content of this report; and

(iii)  To approve an amount of up to £200,000 to fund further legal and other associated costs of defending the Equal Pay Claims, to be met from the Organisational Development Reserve.

It is appropriate, given the size and nature of the equal pay litigation that Members are formally updated as to progress in relation to this matter and further that the future direction, management and strategy behind the Council’s management of this litigation is clearly understood and appropriately authorised.

In relation to the litigation, the approach set out in this report is considered the only pragmatic approach, as the alternative would be that every claim is considered and individual decisions are determined by Members, and given the nature and size of the litigation, this is considered the appropriate approach and, therefore, whilst there are alternative options, they are not considered practicable.