The Local Government Association (LGA) has been accused of failing to take its own advice on employee relations in the aftermath of its disastrous restructure consultation.
A local government human resources (HR) expert, who asked not to be named, criticised the association for hiring consultants to look at pay scales when it advises the sector on pay.
They highlighted that the LGA was taking cash from the Government to work with councils on improving employee relations and working with trade unions while blowing up their own relationship with staff.
The expert said: ‘It is ironic that the LGA has money from the Government for improving employment relations in local government. At the same time, they are heading towards a dispute with Unison.'
It is understood that staff have been told to apply for jobs in the new structure or they will be deemed to have resigned. They have also been told they will not receive redundancy payments.
On job evaluation, the expert claimed the consultancy brought in to look at staff salaries, Korn Ferry Hay, would have cost ‘at least £250,000'.
The expert said: ‘As an organisation that has developed an evaluation framework for local government, why aren't they using their own?'
Following a board meeting last week, the association issued a statement announcing it would review its plans following the reaction of staff to the proposals.
The statement read: ‘This review will take stock of the work undertaken so far and ensure that concerns raised are considered carefully and thoroughly before any further steps are taken.
‘An experienced external HR specialist has been appointed to provide independent oversight and assurance.'
Promoting its work on staff relations, the LGA website read: ‘Effective industrial relations, incorporating good communications and employee engagement, underpins successful and efficient delivery of local government services and minimises the chances of disagreement and dispute.'
