Issue - meetings
Carers Leave Policy and Procedure and Dogs at Work Policy
Meeting: 08/01/2026 - Cabinet (Item 182)
182 Carers Leave Policy and Procedure and Dogs at Work Policy 
PDF 611 KB
Purpose:
For Cabinet to consider the implementation of two new policies:
Carers Leave Policy and Procedure – Introduces the statutory entitlement to carers’ leave following recent legislative changes and outlines how the Council will support employees who need to balance work with caring responsibilities.
Dogs at Work Policy – Sets out when and how dogs may be permitted in the workplace, including the conditions and safeguards required to ensure a safe and appropriate working environment.
Recommendations:
That Cabinet resolves to:
1. Approve the Carers Leave Policy and Procedure; and
2. Approve the Dogs at Work Policy
Additional documents:
- Annex A - CDC Carers Leave Policy and Procedure (Jan 2025) 07.11.2025, item 182
PDF 279 KB
- Annex B Equality and Rurality Impact Assessment Form re Carers Policy, item 182
PDF 546 KB
- Annex C - CDC Dogs at Work Policy September 2025, item 182
PDF 594 KB
- Annex D Equality and Rurality Impact Assessment Form re Dogs at Work Policy, item 182
PDF 567 KB
- Webcast for Carers Leave Policy and Procedure and Dogs at Work Policy
Decision:
The purpose of the report was to Cabinet to consider the implementation of two new policies:
1. Carers Leave Policy and Procedure – Introduces the statutory entitlement to carers’ leave following recent legislative changes and outlines how the Council will support employees who need to balance work with caring responsibilities.
2. Dogs at Work Policy – Sets out when and how dogs may be permitted in the workplace, including the conditions and safeguards required to ensure a safe and appropriate working environment.
Councillor Mike Evemy, Leader of the Council, introduced the report and highlighted that the Carers Leave Policy and Procedure was drafted to ensure compliance with legislation, outlining employees’ statutory right to carer’s leave for dependants with long-term care needs and the support available to help balance work and caring responsibilities, with a commitment to employee health and wellbeing.
It was further noted that the Dogs at Work Policy set out the limited circumstances in which dogs were permitted in the workplace, recognising the challenges of dog ownership while prioritising the Council’s commitment to a safe, productive and respectful environment for staff, visitors and councillors.
The recommendations were proposed by Councillor Mike Evemy and seconded by Councillor Tony Dale.
Resolved that Cabinet:
a) Approved the Carers Leave Policy and Procedure
and
b) Approved the Dogs at Work Policy
Voting Record
7 For, 0 Against, 0 Abstentions.
Minutes:
The purpose of the report was for Cabinet to consider the implementation of two new policies:
1. Carers Leave Policy and Procedure – Introduces the statutory entitlement to carers’ leave following recent legislative changes and outlines how the Council will support employees who need to balance work with caring responsibilities.
2. Dogs at Work Policy – Sets out when and how dogs may be permitted in the workplace, including the conditions and safeguards required to ensure a safe and appropriate working environment.
Councillor Mike Evemy, Leader of the Council, introduced the report and highlighted that the Carers Leave Policy and Procedure was drafted to ensure compliance with legislation, outlining employees’ statutory right to carer’s leave for dependants with long-term care needs and the support available to help balance work and caring responsibilities, with a commitment to employee health and wellbeing. It was noted that employees were entitled to take up to one week in any 12-month rolling period to care for dependents, either as a full week, individual days, or half days. The leave was unpaid but offered flexibility to support employee wellbeing.
It was further noted that the Dogs at Work Policy set out the limited circumstances in which dogs were permitted in the workplace, recognising the challenges of dog ownership while prioritising the Council’s commitment to a safe, productive and respectful environment for staff, visitors and councillors. It was noted that no staff currently required this provision, but the policy allowed for future need.
The HR Business Partner, confirmed the policies reflected statutory requirements and operational considerations.
The recommendations were proposed by Councillor Mike Evemy and seconded by Councillor Tony Dale.
The proposal was put to the vote and agreed by Cabinet.
Voting Record
7 For, 0 Against, 0 Abstentions.