northlincs.gov.uk

2 (2) FLEXIBLE WORKING POLICY – The Director: Business Development submitted a report outlining and seeking approval for the council’s updated Flexible Working Policy.

The policy described the steps to be taken where employees wished to apply for flexible working for a variety of reasons. This would always be compatible with, and beneficial to, service efficiency and also support employees in achieving work life balance.

The council’s existing Flexible Working policy (B.3.6) was implemented in April 2011 and contained terminology which had become outdated, e.g. it referred to the statutory right to request flexible working only being available to employees with certain parental/caring responsibilities.

Currently, Job Share (A.6) and the Career Break Scheme (B.3.7) were stand-alone policies within the HR Manual but could be examples of flexible working arrangements. These schemes would now be included as Good Action Guides within the Flexible Working policy, to ensure that any requests followed the same consideration process.

An effective flexible working policy was good for employees and the employer. Employees would be better able to manage their work/life balance whilst employers could ensure that the right personnel are at work when they are needed.

Resolved – That the revised Flexible Working Policy be approved and implemented.

3 (3) SALARY SACRIFICE SCHEME – The Director: Business Development submitted a report outlining and seeking approval for the introduction of a salary sacrifice scheme for employees to hire a bike and/or safety equipment from the council.

A tax-free bikes for work scheme was a government-led initiative to support green travel to work and environmental issues.

The scheme was designed to encourage employees to participate in a healthier lifestyle and commute to work by a more sustainable means of transport than a motor vehicle.

Salary sacrifice arrangements involved an employee sacrificing an element of their pay before tax and National Insurance contributions were taken, in return for a benefit, in this instance the hire of a bike and/or safety equipment.

The report set out the benefits and principles of the scheme.

Resolved – (a) That the proposal to introduce a salary sacrifice scheme for employees to hire a cycle and/or cyclists’ safety equipment be approved; (b) that each hire agreement be 12 months’ duration, and (c) that the proposed scheme provider, as set out in the report, be approved.