Key Points:
- Newham Council has approved changes to annual leave and sick pay for staff at Juniper Ventures, a council-owned company.
- The decision was made during an Officer Key Decision meeting on April 22, 2025.
- Juniper Ventures provides food and cleaning services for schools in Newham.
- The company stated that without these changes, it would be “unviable” to continue operations.
- The changes are part of a broader effort by Newham Council to ensure fair pay and conditions for all workers.
Newham Council has approved modifications to the annual leave and sick pay entitlements for employees of Juniper Ventures, a company wholly owned by the council that provides catering and cleaning services to schools across the borough.
The decision was made during an Officer Key Decision meeting held on April 22, 2025, as part of the council’s ongoing efforts to ensure the financial viability of its services and uphold fair employment practices.
What Changes Have Been Approved for Juniper Ventures Staff?
The approved changes involve adjustments to the annual leave and sick pay policies for Juniper Ventures employees. While specific details of the modifications have not been publicly disclosed, the company indicated that these changes are necessary to maintain operational viability.
Juniper Ventures has been recognized for its commitment to fair employment practices, including paying all staff at least the London Living Wage and providing access to the Local Government Pension Scheme. The company also delivers Newham Council’s “Eat For Free” scheme to 75% of primary schools in the borough, ensuring that all meals are hot, healthy, and nutritious.
Why Were These Changes Deemed Necessary?
According to a report presented during the council meeting, Juniper Ventures stated that without the proposed changes to annual leave and sick pay, the company would become “unviable.” This assertion underscores the financial challenges faced by the company in maintaining its services under the existing employment terms.
The council’s decision reflects a balance between sustaining essential services and ensuring fair compensation for workers. Newham Council has previously expressed its commitment to fair pay and conditions for all employees, emphasizing the importance of decent pay for all workers.
How Does This Fit into Newham Council’s Broader Employment Policies?
The changes to Juniper Ventures’ employment policies align with Newham Council’s broader commitment to fair employment practices. The council has been proactive in implementing policies that promote fair pay and conditions for all workers, including those employed by council-owned companies.
In a statement regarding previous employment policy changes, Newham Council Chief Executive Althea Loderick said, “We are absolutely committed to ensuring all our staff receive decent pay because all workers deserve that right.”
What Are the Next Steps?
The approved changes to annual leave and sick pay for Juniper Ventures staff are set to be implemented in the coming months. The council and Juniper Ventures will work together to ensure a smooth transition to the new policies, with the aim of maintaining service quality while upholding fair employment standards.
Employees affected by the changes will receive detailed information about the new policies and any support available to them during the transition period.
