The Brent Council General Purposes Committee met to discuss proposed changes to pay and allowances for council staff, aiming for greater consistency, transparency, and fairness. The committee approved recommendations to amend the Standby and Callout Policy, standardise shift allowances, define core working hours, and adjust planned overtime rates, and agreed to start formal consultations with staff and trade unions on the proposals. These changes are intended to improve financial controls and reduce the risk of equal pay claims.

Amendments to Terms and Conditions

The committee approved recommendations to amend the Standby and Callout Policy, standardise shift allowances, define core working hours, and adjust planned overtime rates. These changes will now be subject to formal consultation with staff and trade unions.

Councillor Mili Patel, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Finance & Resources, introduced the report, emphasising the importance of fairness in pay and recognition for council staff. She highlighted that the current system of allowances and premiums for overtime and standby payments costs £1.7 million annually, and that the proposals aim to ensure these funds are applied consistently and transparently.

As councillors, we are clear that fairness in pay, allowances, and recognition isn't just a human resources matter, it's about respect for the people who make this borough work.

The proposals include:

• Standby and Callout Policy: A three-tier standby system with payments ranging from £90 to £180 per week, depending on the level of responsibility and whether on-site attendance is required.
• Shift Allowances: Standardising shift allowances at 5% or 10%, depending on the working pattern.
• Core Working Hours: Defining core working hours as 7:30 AM to 6:30 PM, with additional payment for night work after 10:00 PM.
• Planned Overtime Rates: Paying overtime at plain time rate of actual salary to staff on grades SO1 – PO6¹.

Councillor Fleur Donnelly-Jackson, Cabinet Member for Housing, welcomed the changes, particularly the introduction of consistency and certainty for staff in the housing area who are frequently on standby for homelessness needs and emergency situations.

Councillor Jake Rubin, Cabinet Member for Climate Action and Community Power, asked about the transition for individuals who may have been working certain hours for a long period of time. It was confirmed that individual consultations would take place to ensure a smooth transition and avoid significant financial detriment.

The report noted that the trade unions have been engaged in the process and are generally supportive of the changes.

The committee agreed with the recommendations on page eight of the Amendments to Terms and Conditions Report to commence formal consultation with staff and trade unions.

Minutes of the Previous Meeting

The minutes of the previous meeting held on Monday 19 May 2025 were approved as an accurate record.