Fair Work First

We are committed to advancing the Fair Work First criteria, specifically:

1.   We have an appropriate channel for effective employee voice

• We work with our recognised trade unions in a Partnership Working Charter which provides a framework for consultation structures at all levels across the council. This framework enables employee voice and engagement for all employees, trade unions, and leaders.
• We recognise Trade Unions across all employee groups for the purpose of collective bargaining and encourage membership.
• We provide facility time to support regular engagement between the council, our Trade Unions, and their members.
• We engage in constructive dialogue with our employees and their Trade Union representatives to address workplace issues and disputes with a common goal to seek resolution at an early stage.
• Employees are offered support through regular meetings with their supervisor and access to the employee assistance program.
• We have measures in place to support employees in the workplace and have zero tolerance for bullying and other forms of abuse and harassment.

2.   We invest in workforce development

• Our strategic workforce and learning and development plans link to the Council Connect plan.
• Our Behaviours Framework sets out how all employees are expected to behave at work, creating a better working environment for all, and includes an appraisal process to identify individual development needs
• We are committed to providing learning opportunities for employees at all levels in the council
• Formal and informal learning is offered and encouraged across the workforce, relating to specific roles as well as wider development
• We survey staff regularly to inform policy priorities and development

3.   We do not use zero hours contracts inappropriately

• Supply and casual contracts are only used when necessary and workers on these contracts are not obliged to accept work when this is offered
• We do not use supply and casual contracts to fill longer-term vacancies
• We regularly review this area and move from a supply/casual contract to a temporary contract where a longer-term need for the work has been identified

4.   We take action to tackle the gender pay gap and create a more diverse and inclusive workplace

• Mainstreaming equalities progress report 2019–2021 and Mainstreaming equalities report 2021-2025 are published on our website which demonstrates our commitment to tackling the gender pay gap and creating a more inclusive and diverse workforce
• Our equality outcomes support a number of actions to ensure we continue to understand any perceived barriers to employment with the Council and address these
• We gather data to understand our workforce diversity and pay gap information
• We support flexible working across the council, offering a wide range of flexible working patterns
• We are a Carer Positive employer showing our commitment to a working environment where carers are valued and supported
• We recognise our role as a Corporate Parent and support Care Experienced Young people into employment
• We are a signatory to the Armed Force Covenant and support opportunities for serving members of the armed forces and veterans
• We have received recognition for our commitment to supporting our armed forces community, holding the Ministry of Defence’s Employer Defence Recognition Scheme Silver Award.
• We are a Disability Confident employer, encouraging the employment and retention of disabled people and those with health conditions.
• We are a signatory to the Pregnancy Loss Pledge and offer Parental Bereavement Leave, committing to support employees through miscarriage at any stage of gestation
• We utilise Tailored Adjustment Agreements, making reasonable adjustments for employees with a disability or who have a shorter long-term impairment that could affect their ability to work

5.   We commit to paying the Real Living Wage

• We are an accredited Living Wage employer and are recognised as an Anchor Organisation
• We lead the pan Lanarkshire Living Wage campaign group

6.   We offer flexible and family-friendly working practices for all workers from day one of employment