Purpose

To consider the Carers Leave Policy and
Procedure following legislative updates. It sets out the statutory
right of employee’s to carer’s leave to provide or
arrange care for a dependant with a long-term care need, and other
support that we can offer to combine work with care. To consider a
Dogs at Work Policy, that sets out the circumstances in which dogs
are allowed to be in the workplace.

Recommendation to approve both the Carers Leave Policy and
Procedure and Dogs at Work Policy.

Content

The purpose of the report was to Cabinet to consider the implementation of two new
policies:

1.   
Carers Leave Policy and Procedure – Introduces
the statutory entitlement to carers’ leave following recent
legislative changes and outlines how the Council will support
employees who need to balance work with caring
responsibilities.

2.   
Dogs at Work Policy – Sets out when and how
dogs may be permitted in the workplace, including the conditions
and safeguards required to ensure a safe and appropriate working
environment.
 
Councillor Mike Evemy, Leader of the Council,
introduced the report and highlighted that the Carers Leave Policy
and Procedure was drafted to ensure compliance with legislation,
outlining employees’ statutory right to carer’s leave
for dependants with long-term care needs and the support available
to help balance work and caring responsibilities, with a commitment
to employee health and wellbeing.
 
It was further noted that the Dogs at Work
Policy set out the limited circumstances in which dogs were
permitted in the workplace, recognising the challenges of dog
ownership while prioritising the Council’s commitment to a
safe, productive and respectful environment for staff, visitors and
councillors.
 
The recommendations were proposed by
Councillor Mike Evemy and seconded by Councillor Tony Dale.
 
Resolved that Cabinet:
a)   
Approved the Carers Leave Policy and
Procedure
and
b)   
Approved the Dogs at Work Policy
 
Voting Record
7 For,  0 Against,
0 Abstentions.