A new policy to mitigate the risk of harassment and violence at work will be drawn up by West Dunbartonshire Council following the May elections.
During last week’s full council meeting, councillor Jim Bollan presented a motion to ensure the local authority has a “clear and transparent” policy against this sort of behaviour which is readily available to its employees.
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It comes following the parliament’s decision to give the government the green light to sign up to the first treaty to address harassment and violence in the world of work.
Councillor Bollan’s motion read: “In advance of this becoming law in around one year's time the council agrees to review all staff policies to mitigate the risk of harassment and violence at work, ensure a clear and transparent policy against harassment and violence is known and available to employees, and acted upon if complaints are received.
“The council should use its influence to encourage local businesses to review and improve their policies on violence and harassment.”
Councillor Bollan had also requested a full report by the CEO be provided detailing current policies and changes that are required to meet the terms of the new treaty to the first meeting of the new council elected on 5 May 2022.
But SNP leader councillor Jonathon McColl told members it would be highly unlikely that officers would be able to bring a full and detailed report so early.
He explained: “There are a lot of discussions to be had with trade unions and others in developing our local policy.
“It won’t be ready to bring forward at that first meeting after council elections. Would councillor Bolan be willing to accept a slight amendment asking the report to be brought back after the inaugural meeting of the new council or as soon as possible.”
The amendment was agreed and the motion was unanimously approved.
