Yesterday, the Policy and Resources Committee considered the feedback from staff and Trade Unions on the Council's proposals to implement the Single Status agreement through revised pay and conditions.  The Council is committed to consultation being genuine and meaningful and has taken seriously the responses received from employees and through the Trade Unions.  Therefore, the Committee endorsed the decision taken in July to re-enter discussions with the Trade Unions to try to identify an acceptable proposal from the viewpoint of employees.  However, any changes will have substantial financial implications and options for funding will, therefore, be reported back to Committee.

The Council's proposals will not be implemented in October 2005 and are currently in abeyance.  The Council still intends to move towards a revised pay structure and a strategy to secure an equal pay compliant pay structure will now be developed and reported to Committee for consideration as soon as possible.

With regard to the settlement of historical equal pay issues, the Council endorsed the approach being taken at national level by Cosla to develop a framework to resolve these issues.  It is anticipated that this will be very similar to the approach that is already being taken by the Council and Trade Unions in Moray and so discussions will take place in light of this.

Contact: Joyce Pirie, Public Relations Co-ordinator on 01343 563046