Purpose

This decision has been made in consultation with Cllr Jayne Chapman – Chair of the Human Resources and Council Tax Committee.

The Human Resources and Council Tax Committee considered the Employment Legislation Report in July 2026.

The report recorded the compliance review undertaken and established a prioritised programme for legislative provisions taking effect in phases during 2026 and 2027.

This decision records the policy updates approved at this stage under the constitutional delegation. It also provides for the continuing review and timely implementation of further changes as their legal requirements, commencement dates and supporting guidance are confirmed.

The Council’s published employment framework confirms that the conditions of employment for the majority of employees follow nationally negotiated NJC arrangements.

Where these arrangements already provide a more favourable contractual entitlement, the policy review will preserve and accurately reflect that position.

Decision

To approve the updates to the Council’s people policies and associated guidance identified through the employment legislation review, to the extent that the relevant legislative provisions are in force or implementation is otherwise required at this stage.

The programme covers the relevant people policies, procedures and associated guidance, including provisions relating to employee pay and absence, family-related rights, workplace conduct, employee protections and consequential updates.
Appendix A summarises the policy updates covered by this decision, subject to the phased implementation arrangements and the exclusion of the separately approved Probationary Procedure set out below.

Policy changes required by provisions already in force are approved through this decision. Further policy changes arising from the Employment Rights Act (ERA) will be finalised and implemented in phases, in line with the statutory commencement dates for the relevant provisions and any applicable regulations and supporting guidance. Publication, employee communication and manager guidance will accompany implementation as appropriate.

The Council applies nationally negotiated NJC terms and conditions for the majority of its workforce. In some areas, those contractual arrangements already provide benefits which meet or exceed the statutory minimum. The review therefore distinguishes between any new action required and existing provisions which may need only to be clarified or reflected in policy.

The revised Probationary Procedure is excluded because it was approved through a separate officer decision.

Alternative options considered

While Local Government Reorganisation work is currently paused, the Council continues to work with Colchester and Braintree to explore joint policy opportunities. This work will not delay the updates needed to meet legislative requirements as each provision takes effect.