The authority has to find £62 million of savings over four years. To deliver savings without the blanket pay cuts or additional redundancies seen at other local authorities across the country, more modern, flexible working practices are being proposed in Harrow.
On Thursday (19 January) the Council’s Cabinet approved the consultation after failing to reach collective agreement with the trade unions.
Staff will be asked for their views on changes, which will enhance existing flexible working arrangements. The move would help the Council to break away from the culture of nine to five, Monday to Friday working, which restricts the way the Council delivers services.
It would mean employees, where appropriate, could work at weekends or in the evening at no additional cost to the council, to help balance their work and home lives.
Staff will also be asked to comment on plans to reduce senior managers’ pay, raise minimum pay levels to the London Living Wage and introduce a training allowance for apprentices.
Cllr Graham Henson, portfolio holder for performance, customer services and corporate services on Harrow Council, said: “While other councils have cut pay across the board, we want to give our staff a choice and see how improved terms and conditions may allow people to better balance their work and personal lives.
“By removing the nine to five, Monday to Friday culture, they would also ensure we have a more modern and efficient workforce, that can provide services when our residents need them most.”
