Extension To Council Job Evaluation Appeals Deadline

21st March 2009

The deadline for Highland Council staff to submit appeals against their job evaluation outcomes has been extended for one month until 8 May, 2009 by the Council's Modernising Employment Sub Committee.

Members of the committee heard that there had been requests from some staff and the trade unions to extend the appeal date of 10 April 2009. At the latest regular meeting with the trade unions on 10 March 2009, the trade unions requested an extension of at least 4 weeks. The Sub-Committee agreed to this request to enable staff more time to complete their appeals, reflecting the fact that schools will be breaking for Easter holidays shortly.

The sub committee also agreed that the Council should appoint two independent chairs to chair the appeals panel. This will allow the Council to deal with appeals more quickly.

Councillor Carolyn Wilson, Chairman of the Resources Committee, said: "The majority of staff will see an increase in pay as a result of job evaluation and they will receive this in their pay packets in March, with back dated pay to April 2008 being paid in the summer.

She added: "Nearly 2000 staff have also attended signing sessions across the Highlands, since January, and payments have been made in respect of equal pay claims. These are mainly women working in catering, cleaning and caring jobs across the Highlands."