Issue - meetings

Report of the HR and Training Manager.

The HR & Training Manager introduced a report, which had been circulated in advance of the meeting, seeking approval to close formal consultation on the revisions to policy in response to the changes to employment law for The Flexible Working Act 2023. The Paternity Leave (Amendment) Regulations 2024, and The Carer’s Leave Act 2023. The report also sought to ask the Committee for comment and recommendations to inform the Appointments and Conditions of Service Committee prior to its decision relating to implementation of a new policy and changes to existing policies.

Members noted that some staff may only need a few hours to see to the needs of a care receiver and queried whether the Carer’s leave could be broken down into hours instead of shifts.

Members also raised concerns regarding entitlements to bereavement leave, e.g. through miscarriage and bereavement leave being made available to all irrespective of the age of the child and not just those aged 18 or over.

RESOLVED to:

1)     Close formal consultation on the proposal to create a new Carer’s Leave Policy and make revisions to the Flexible Working and Statutory Paternity Leave Procedures; and

2)     Review separate Bereavement Leave Policy for fairness.