The Acting Director of Law, HR and Asset Management submitted a report which updated the Committee on the number and status of Employee Relation Cases and the Council’s performance in managing these issues. The report had been produced following the development of a HR casework system which had improved the quality of management information available on employee relations issues.

The system recorded all formal cases in relation to discipline, grievance, attendance management, capability and Employment Tribunal cases. Cases were recorded where formal action was being taken, considered or a formal investigation was in process in accordance with the relevant policy.

The report gave an analysis of trends within the Council and also some comparative analyses. Detailed information was provided in appendices to the report. There were currently 189 live cases out of a workforce of 4800 (excluding teachers).

Members commented upon the encouraging figures within the report. The need for some more narrative on those cases taking longer than 6 months was suggested, so that trends could be identified. The Head of HR and Organisational Development suggested a report could be brought to the Committee on a six monthly basis, which would enable trends to be more easily identified than if reported on a quarterly basis, subject to any spikes in trends being reported more immediately.

Resolved – That the report be noted and Committee receive a six monthly report subject to any spiking trends being reported more immediately.