The General Purposes Committee of Haringey Council met on Thursday 3 April 2025 to discuss and approve updates to HR policies, including the Organisational Change Policy and the Pay Policy Statement. The committee also reviewed the latest People Report, which detailed workforce data and trends.

Organisational Change Policy Amendment

The committee approved an amendment to the Organisational Change Policy, specifically to Appendix 1, which outlines the calculation of redundancy payments. The changes aim to ensure fair compensation for employees while managing costs and protecting lower-paid staff. The revised policy introduces a cap of £950 per week for calculating redundancy pay, an increase from the previous statutory cap. For employees earning above this new cap, redundancy payments will be reduced compared to the current scheme. The policy also includes a claw-back mechanism where additional payments to pension funds upon redundancy will offset the enhanced redundancy payments. This change will apply to consultations on proposed redundancies commencing on or after 4 April 2025. The National Association of Headteachers (NAHT) formally objected to the proposed cap, arguing it would negatively impact school leaders.

HR Policies

The committee approved proposed changes to the Probation, Purchasing Annual Leave, and Organisational Change policies. These updates are designed to align with Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service (ACAS) best practice and simplify processes for managers and employees. The probation policy has been strengthened to ensure timely final review meetings. The policy for purchasing annual leave has been clarified, with officers explaining it is an application process, not a right, and will not be approved if it causes significant resource loss. Members requested a report in mid-2026 to assess the uptake of the annual leave purchasing policy.

Additionally, the committee approved updates to the Ill Health Retirement and Parental Leave policies. The Ill Health Retirement Policy has been updated to include clearer eligibility criteria, a clarified appeal process with a stage two review by the Pension Fund, and details on confidentiality and support for employees. The Parental Leave Policy has been updated to reflect changes in Neonatal Pay and Leave, effective from 6 April 2025, and includes guidance on maintaining communication during leave and ensuring a smooth return to work.

People Report

The committee noted the People Report, which provides an overview of Haringey Council's workforce data from September to December 2024. Key findings included a 2.9% increase in the established workforce and a 6.1% rise in the pay bill, largely due to the NJC pay award. The number of agency workers decreased by 58, resulting in a 17.1% cost saving, and this trend is expected to continue. The report also highlighted a reduction in sickness absences and a decrease in the number of off payroll workers earning over £500 per day. The council employed 68 such workers, a decrease of 5 from the previous quarter. The report also noted that 54% of new starters were under 40, and 36% of leavers were in the same age group. The council has 128 apprenticeships, with Placemaking & Housing, Adults, Health & Communities, and Children’s Services having the highest numbers.

Other Panels - Minutes of Meetings

The committee received and noted the minutes from various panels, including the Appointments Panels and the Disciplinary, Grievance and Dismissal Panel. These minutes covered appointments to senior roles such as Assistant Director for Asset Management, Corporate Director of Adults, Housing and Health, Assistant Director of Repairs and Compliance, and Director of Adult Social Care. The Disciplinary, Grievance and Dismissal Panel minutes noted proposed redundancies within Culture, Strategy & Engagement.