Councillor Calls for Information

A Moray Council member has urged anyone unhappy in negotiations over equal pay or single status to get in touch with him.

Douglas Ross (Fochabers Lhanbryde) made the call as he believes many people may have issues they want raised.

But his call has been criticised as it goes against the authority’s employee code of conduct.

"While I know some staff will be happy with the settlement they made with the council I also know countless others who are bitterly disappointed by the way Moray Council has treated them," he said. "I have to say if they have found it as difficult as I have to get information from the council on this subject it is little wonder they have no faith of getting a fair deal."

He added: "Hard working members of staff who have loyally worked for many years have been treated very unfairly in this whole process, while I’m led to believe many of those in the higher salary bands were far happier with their deals."

Councillor Ross also said wanted to get a full picture of the issue and would treat any information provided in confidence. His contact details can be found here.

A council spokesman responded to Councillor Ross’ comments.

"The process for dealing with claims was agreed by councillors some time ago and of a staff complement of more than 5000, there are 58 cases still unresolved, which put the success of the exercise in context," he said. "As for employees communicating with an elected member on internal staffing matters, that would be in direct contravention of the employee code of conduct which applies to all council staff."