Purpose

Review of Agency Provision

Content

1.    
That Option 1 – Undertake a mini competition exercise between
the sixteen agency suppliers on ESPOs MSTAR framework be
approved.

 

2.    
That as shareholders of YOO Recruit, an eleven-month extension to
the current contract between YOO Recruit and Adecco from 22 August
2024 to 30 June 2025 be supported.

 

3.    
That it be agreed to dissolve YOO Recruit Limited as soon as
possible after the conclusion of the extended contract and the
transfer to an alternative provider.

 

4.    
That the matter be referred for consideration by the relevant
Scrutiny Panel, Resources and Equalities Scrutiny Panel and if the
Panel agrees the approach, the Chief Operating Officer be
authorised to sign relevant documents to give effect to the above
recommendations if required. In the event that the Panel does not
agree the matter would  be reconsidered
by Cabinet.

 

5.    
That it be noted that the agreement between YOO Recruit and Adecco
had previously been extended to its maximum term and is due to
expire on 21 August 2024.

 

6.    
That it be noted that Legal advice
suggests a further considerable extension creates risk of
competitor challenge and clarity through the law of courts. In
addition, there is little judicial clarity on whether any proposed
extensions are ‘considerable’ and therefore whether an
exemption is needed or applies. This therefore necessitates a
risk-based approach of the available options, the approach proposed
is one that the Council’s legal advice
supports.

 

7.    
That it be noted that if
recommendation 3 (for decision) is agreed,
the impact on officers currently supporting YOO
Recruit needs to be understood, more
information would be provided in the future report as detailed in
point 8 below.

 

8.    
That it be noted that a further
report would be brought back to Cabinet in January 2025
following the mini competition exercise.

 

9.    
That it be noted that the spend with YOO
Recruit on agency workers for 2023-2024 was £15.5 million, of
which £0.6 million is spend with other
providers.

 

10. 
That it be noted that improving the agency offer for the Council
would  support the Council to mitigate
the strategic risk associated with employee recruitment and
retention and national recruitment and retention challenges.

 
11. 
That it be noted that if an extension is agreed YOO Recruit should
issue either a Voluntary Ex Ante Transparency (VEAT) notice
confirming the duration of the extension and reasons for it and can
also issue a Contract Award Notice for the extension period.