Cllr Jim Harker, Leader of the Conservative admistration who labelled the cuts a 'Management Issue'
Northamptonshire Liberal Democrats are forcing a public debate on the new pay and benefits review at the Full Council meeting on 30th September. The Lib Dems have put down a motion at the meeting, which is open to the public to address, asking for the Conservative administration to deal with the effect on lower paid workers, and not to shirk their responsibility.
Cllr Brendan Glynane, Leader of the Liberal Democrat Opposition said “The Conservatives have tried to ignore the problems and dismissed the review as a management issue. In reality there is real concern about the effect on lower paid workers. This decision should be democratically debated in public.”
“The Conservatives are shirking their responsibility and failing to provide accountability to employees and local residents. The meeting is open to the public to come and address so I would encourage people who are concerned about this issue to come along and address the meeting.”
The text of the motion reads:
“Council notes with concern the recent demonstration by council employees over the implementation of the pay and benefits review.
Council also notes with concern the negative impact of the review on many members of our hard-working lower paid staff, particularly those in front line services and female employees, with reported wage losses of up to £10,000 for some workers
Council further notes that the Conservative administration regards Pay and Benefits as a “management issue”. Council refutes the view that “if the consequence of the restructure is that some people have to leave then so be it”.
Council acknowledges that there will be some losers from the review but also believes that there is a fairer and more equitable way to implement the Pay and Benefits review thus avoiding a situation where “the lowest paid workers suffer while the fat cats and consultants continue to rake it in”
Council believes that the decision to implement the Pay and Benefits review should have been debated and taken in public by councillors and that a longer period of pay protection after the new pay grades take effect should be adopted.
Council asserts that a different approach is required and instructs the Leader of the Council to take immediate action to ensure that a new settlement, acceptable to all, is reached at the earliest opportunity and that the Chief Executive exercises his delegated authority and implements the new settlement.”
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