Changes proposed for council staff terms and conditions

Proposals regarding the Conditions of Service for employees of Rochdale Council will be discussed by Cabinet next week – in the Council’s latest bid to save money.

Rochdale Online understands the proposals include changes to staff pay and holidays.

The Council needs to make savings of £64million by 2015. If the proposed changes are given the go ahead they are likely to save the Council around £5million a year.

The proposed changes will go before Cabinet members at a private meeting next Thursday (1 September). Following the meeting consultation with staff and trade unions will be carried out.

In 2009 council staff were consulted about changes to Conditions of Service as part of the Pay and Grading Review, however, at the time it was decided not to implement the changes to national conditions pending further discussions with trade unions.

However, in light of the Council’s current financial situation a further review of Conditions of Service was carried out in order to identify the potential for savings.

Stephen Harper, Service Director for Human Resources, Rochdale Borough Council said:
“Between now and 2015 we need to save a further £64 million and in order to do that we need to consider everything we do, and how we do it.

“That is why we are looking at what we provide and how we provide it, and it’s why like several other councils we are looking at employee Conditions of Service.”

“These proposals will be considered by our Cabinet on Thursday 1 September and following this consultations will be undertaken with staff and trade unions.

“On Monday (22 August) employees were informed of when the proposals are to be considered by Cabinet and what the next steps are.

“Until the member decision-making process has taken place and employees have had chance to consider the proposals, it is not appropriate for any further comment to be made.” 

Figures and information published regarding the proposed changes have been disputed by the Council; however, they will not provide the accurate information until staff have been informed.