Derbyshire County Council is bringing forward new proposals to support the recruitment and retention of employees - particularly those in frontline adult social care roles.
Proposals will come to a council meeting to consider changing the Pay Policy statement, opening the door to the awarding of retention payments to staff and also helping the council to attract and keep employees in a competitive job market.
Councillor Natalie Hoy, Derbyshire County Council Cabinet Member for Adult Care, said the council recognised the challenges frontline care staff face and wanted to provide more practical help.
Councillor Hoy said: “I know the pressures our services are facing coming after the incredible commitment and hard work so many of our key workers selflessly delivered during the pandemic. Their commitment has been extraordinary, and I, councillors and residents across Derbyshire could not be more grateful to them.
“We need to make sure that we’re giving our services as much support as we can in these hugely pressured times, which is why I have championed the proposed changes that will shortly come to our Full Council meeting for consideration.
“Traditionally we have been unable to respond to changes in the job market and challenges of retention because of long standing policies, but we are looking to change that to reflect the current pressures and ensure we attract and keep the best staff.
“By bringing forward proposals around retention payments we can ensure people - particularly in frontline adult social care roles where there are currently acute challenges - are recognised for the work they do and supported through the current situation.”
Proposals for the changes to the Pay Policy statement will come to Full Council in July.
Derbyshire County Council is one of the few councils which retained its crisis fund for people in need and is also distributing the Household Support Fund to people with lower incomes.
The council also has a range of practical support in place which can help with checking older people’s pension credits and ensuring they are getting all of the benefits they are entitled to. The website is full of practical information that many people are already using to help boost their income and lower their bills.