Decision details

The current Household Waste Recycling Site (HWRS) structure provides resources to support the operation of a transfer station and eight HWRSs strategically located across the City that contribute approximately 9.5% towards the Council’s overall recycling rate.

This service area within Waste Management has a budget of approximately £4.0m per annum (including waste disposal costs). It is essential that the staffing arrangements on site meet the future service need to maximize diversion from landfill, and ensure excellent customer service and efficient use of resources. A formal period of consultation has now been concluded with Trade Unions and staff on a range of proposed changes to roles within the Service, and this report now summarises the consultation findings, sets out management’s responses to these issues, and recommends that the Director of Environment and Housing approve the implementation of the proposals.

The proposals are estimated to involve a small additional cost of £12k per annum compared to current arrangements. The proposals create uniformity of job roles across the HWRS service, and achieve a better balance between service specific duties, whilst also being consistent with job roles in other similar services.

Recruitment to existing vacant posts and a potential proposal for use of part-time staff has the potential to support equality and diversity priorities by attracting post holders from under-represented groups, in particular female staff since the hours offered may fit with school and family commitments. In addition, it reflects customer expectations by determining staffing levels based on demand for service rather than ‘standard’ hours contracts and resourcing.

The proposals look to meet the future service need to maximize diversion from landfill, ensure excellent customer service and efficient use of resources.