Decision details

Consideration of the Council's approach to the Living Wage for staff, agency workers and contractors engaged through the Council’s procurement processes.

Matter for Decision:

Consideration of the Council's approach to the Living Wage for staff, agency workers and contractors engaged through the Council’s procurement processes.

Decision of the Executive Councillor:

The Executive Councillor resolved to:

        i.            Endorse the proposal to pay the Living Wage for Cambridge City Council staff, by way of a supplement to current pay rates.

      ii.            Endorse the proposal to pay the minimum of the Living Wage to agency workers after 4 weeks of their engagement with the City Council.

    iii.            Agree to a review within 12 months of the proposal to pay the minimum of the Living Wage to agency workers after 4 weeks of their engagement and for any changes to be proposed for the 2014 Pay Policy Statement.

   iv.            Encourage contractors to adopt the Living Wage through the Council’s procurement processes.

     v.            Include the recommendations of this committee, as they relate to staff and agency workers, in the Council’s proposed Pay Policy Statement, to be considered by Civic Affairs on 30th January 2013.

Reasons for the Decision: As set out in the officer’s report

Any alternative options considered and rejected: As set out in the officer’s report

Scrutiny Considerations:

The committee received a report from the Head of Human Resources.

In response to a question from Councillor Herbert the Executive Councillor confirmed that, whilst the Council were fully committed to encouraging all contractors to adopt the Living Wage, there might be certain legal restraints. Legal advice had been taken and each contract would have to be looked at on its own merits.

In response to a question from Councillor Rosenstiel the Head of Legal Services confirmed that he had seen the recent advice of the Local Government Information Unit and officers had been in discussion with Islington Council regarding their approach. 

The Scrutiny Committee considered and endorsed the recommendations unanimously.

The Executive Councillor approved the recommendations.

Conflicts of Interest Declared by the Executive Councillor (and any Dispensations Granted):

Not applicable.