Agenda item

Under Regulation 10 of the Local Authorities (Executive Arrangements)(Meetings and Access to information)(England) Regulations 2012,  as agreed prior to and at the meeting with the Chair of Corporate Performance Panel, the matter would not be subject to call in to ensure the preparatory work can be progressed in time for the payroll deadline.

RESOLVED:   1)          That with effect from 1^st April 2024 an annual pay award of £1,290 (pro rata for part time employees) be paid as a consolidated, permanent addition to salaries for all staff earning less than or equal to the equivalent of National Joint Council pay point 43 (equivalent to £51,515 per annum).

2)             That with effect from 1^st April 2024 a permanent salary increase of 2.5% be paid to all staff earning the above NJC spine point 43 (equivalent to £51,515 or more per annum). 

Reason for Decision

To implement an annual pay increase for employees which reflects the approach taken by the National Joint Council for local government services in relation to cost of living pay increases for employees for the 2024/25 financial year.

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The Chair, Councillor Beales presented the Staff Pay Award 2024/2025 and explained the delay in the pay increase being determined and agreed. He added the National pay increase for staff was agreed on the 22^nd October 2024. He thanked the Chair of the Corporate Performance Panel for agreeing that the item was not to be called in and be brought to Cabinet without having featured on the Forward Decision list for the appropriate number of days, to ensure this could be processed before Christmas. The Chair, Councillor Beales commented that the proposed staff pay increase had been forecast and included in the budget.

He explained that with effect from 1^st April 2024 there would be a permanent salary increase of 2.5% be paid to all staff earning above £51,515 or more per annum and an annual pay award of £1,290 (pro rata for part time employees) paid as a consolidated, permanent addition to salaries for all staff earning less than or equal to £51,515 per annum.

The Assistant Director for Central Services added Unison had been in consultation throughout the process and the report included their comments as well as Alive West Norfolk Board.

Under Standing Order 34, Councillor Long appreciated the acknowledgement as the Chair of the Corporate Performance Panel to not call in this item due to the urgency. He commented the importance of the paying staff appropriately and the balance of what could be afforded, and the work staff carried out. He noted that Members allowances would be assessed by an independent panel and hoped this would be done in a timely manner.

The Chair, Councillor Beales commented the importance of the independent panel to assess Members allowances and encouraged Members to participate in the review.

Additionally, under Standing Order 34, Councillor Spikings recognised the hard work of the staff and supported the pay increase. She sought clarification that the backdated pay would be paid to staff to help with Christmas. 

The Assistant Director for Central Services confirmed it would be processed by payroll in time for December pay and staff would receive the backdated pay.

Under Standing Order 34, Councillor Kemp commented she was pleased this pay increase for staff was being supported and added staff should be valued for the work they carry out and the pay increase reflected this.

Councillor Rust added she was pleased Unison had been consulted and highlighted the impact it would have on staff on lower salaries. She commented she felt reassured this would be processed for staff in time for Christmas and the staff deserved a decent pay increase.

Councillor Ring referred to Councillor Long’s comments regarding the Members allowances and took the opportunity to remind and urge Members to respond to the survey of the independent panel.

Under Regulation 10 of the Local Authorities (Executive Arrangements) (Meetings and Access to information)(England) Regulations 2012,  as agreed prior to and at the meeting with the Chair of Corporate Performance Panel, the matter would not be subject to call in to ensure the preparatory work can be progressed in time for the payroll deadline.

RESOLVED:1)         That with effect from 1^st April 2024 an annual pay award of £1,290 (pro rata for part time employees) be paid as a consolidated, permanent addition to salaries for all staff earning less than or equal to the equivalent of National Joint Council pay point 43 (equivalent to £51,515 per annum).

2)            That with effect from 1^st April 2024 a permanent salary increase of 2.5% be paid to all staff earning the above NJC spine point 43 (equivalent to £51,515 or more per annum). 

Reason for Decision

To implement an annual pay increase for employees which reflects the approach taken by the National Joint Council for local government services in relation to cost of living pay increases for employees for the 2024/25 financial year.