The Overview and Scrutiny Committee of Haringey Council met on Thursday, 12 February 2026, to discuss a range of important topics. The meeting's agenda included a review of the Council's employment and skills initiatives, a strategic overview of the Council's workforce, and an update on the current work programme.

Employment and Skills

The committee was scheduled to receive an overview of employment data for Haringey, with a particular focus on worklessness, job insecurity, and low pay. The report aimed to address concerns raised by local stakeholders, especially regarding employment conditions in Tottenham. The discussion was expected to cover recent employment figures, comparing them to London and national averages, and to explore the proportion of residents who live and work within the borough. Details of the Council's programmes and initiatives designed to provide employment support, strengthen skills, and increase apprenticeship opportunities were also to be presented. The committee was to consider the levers available to the Council to drive improvements through a coordinated local approach.

The report highlighted that Haringey has a higher rate of unemployment and economic inactivity compared to other London boroughs and the national average. It also noted a lower number of jobs within the borough, with a higher proportion in low-paying sectors like retail and hospitality, contributing to in-work poverty. Unemployment and inactivity are particularly concentrated in the east of the borough.

The Council's employment support services, Haringey Works and Haringey Learns, were to be discussed. Haringey Works focuses on supporting residents furthest from the labour market, while Haringey Learns provides skills training. The report acknowledged the fragmented nature of employment and skills support delivery in the borough and outlined the Council's role in coordinating providers and partners. Specific programmes such as Connect to Work, aimed at individuals with long-term health conditions, and the Haringey Works Youth Offer, which includes Haringey Full Potential for care-experienced young people and Haringey On Track for those at risk of crime, were to be detailed.

The report also included an analysis of Capital City College Group's enrolments for Haringey residents, indicating a strong focus on foundational skills and vocational routes aligned with priority sectors.

Strategic Workforce Planning and Employee Wellbeing

The committee was scheduled to receive an update on the Council's workforce data, strategic workforce planning, and employee wellbeing. The report indicated that the Council's total workforce had grown substantially in recent years, primarily due to insourcing services and a concerted effort to reduce agency staff. However, the report noted that the Council's financial challenges might lead to future workforce reductions.

A comprehensive workforce planning process, developed as part of the Workforce Strategy, was to be outlined. This process involves workshops with directorates to analyse the external environment, conduct SWOT analyses, and align workforce plans with service and financial planning. Key areas of focus for the short term included sickness absence management, establishment accuracy, support for restructures, and reducing agency reliance.

Regarding employee wellbeing, the report acknowledged that staff might be concerned about potential future staffing reductions. The Council provides a dedicated wellbeing hub, an employee assistance programme, and occupational health services. The report also highlighted a downward trend in sickness levels, with a significant reduction in long-term sickness.

Work Programme Update

The committee was to receive an update on the 2025/26 work programme for the Overview and Scrutiny Committee. This included noting the current programme and proposing any amendments. The report highlighted the committee's responsibility for developing an overall work plan, including work for its standing Scrutiny Panels, and the importance of balancing activities such as holding the Executive to account, policy review, performance management, and public engagement. The work programme for the meeting on 11 March 2026 was noted to include a Finance and Performance update for Quarter 3.

The report also referenced the Council's Forward Plan, which provides notice of key decisions expected to be made by the Council over the next three months, and highlighted the updated terms of reference for Overview and Scrutiny, allowing for a greater focus on budget monitoring and performance.

Other Scheduled Discussions

The agenda also included standard items such as the approval of minutes from previous meetings, consideration of urgent business, and declarations of interest. The report pack also contained minutes from previous Scrutiny Panel meetings, including the Adults & Health Scrutiny Panel and the Culture, Community Safety & Environment Scrutiny Panel, which were to be received and noted, with any recommendations approved.