Decision details

In March 2020, we published a report outlining our work against the standards of the TUC’s Great Jobs Agenda and our ambitions, recognising that we have a key and ongoing leadership role across the city. However, Covid-19 has greatly changed the jobs and employment landscape for our city (and beyond), as well as had a huge impact on what the Council has been able to deliver and progress.

We acknowledge that whilst some progress has been made within these areas of focus, Covid-19 has meant that progress has been slower than anticipated. Whilst the pandemic is not over yet, we feel that the time is now right to reset and to ask Executive Board’s ongoing support for the Council’s Employment Agenda, and its alignment with the Great Jobs Agenda, and our approach to keep under review the potential to secure Living Wage Foundation accreditation.

The Director of City Development and the Director of Resources submitted a joint report that explored the city’s approach towards promoting the Living Wage and Great Jobs Agenda across the whole of the Leeds district. The report also focussed upon the Leeds Anchors Network, including the recent successful bid for funding to the Health Foundation to expand the Anchors programme within local communities. Furthermore, the report set out the Council’s actions in the context of the West Yorkshire Mayor’s ambition to establish a Fair Work Charter.

Responding to a Member’s enquiry, the Board received further detail regarding the work being undertaken to progress the respective areas of ‘future talent’ and ‘green jobs’.

RESOLVED –

(a)  That the Board’s continued support towards the Council’s Employment Agenda, as set out in paragraphs 12 to 15 of the submitted report, be confirmed;

(b)  That an approach whereby the Council continues to pay Council staff the Living Wage Foundation Real Living Wage, be endorsed;

(c)  That it be noted that the officers responsible for the implementation of the matters detailed within the submitted report are the Chief Officer Human Resources and Chief Officer Culture and Economy, with it also being noted that all employment issues within the Council, including engagement with Trade Unions, is the responsibility of the Chief Officer Human Resources, with the Chief Officer Culture and Economy being responsible for supporting both the Leeds Anchors Network and wider employer engagement.

Extensive consultation has been undertaken including over 1,300 responses to a survey from local residents, workshops, Scrutiny Board (Infrastructure, Investment, and Inclusive Growth), Inclusive Growth Delivery Partnership and others. We are also currently working with Ahead Partnership to gain young people’s feedback on our approach.

Extensive consultation has been undertaken including over 1,300 responses to a survey from local residents, workshops, Scrutiny Board (Infrastructure, Investment, and Inclusive Growth), Inclusive Growth Delivery Partnership and others. We are also currently working with Ahead Partnership to gain young people’s feedback on our approach.