Agenda item

Report of the Director of Markets & Consumer Protection.

The Committee received a report of the Director of Markets and Consumer Protection providing an update on progress made against the Business Plan of the Markets Department for Period 3 (December-March) of 2014-15.

The Director commented on the sickness levels at Smithfield Market, which had been somewhat distorted by the number of long-term sickness absences previously reported to the Committee. He reassured Members that each of these long-term absences was being managed rigorously, adding that one Member of staff had now been dismissed and another was returning to work that week.

The Chairman noted the reference to the London Markets Board on page 17 of the report, advising Members that he had felt it would be appropriate for the City of London to be represented on this body and had asked the Director to join the Board accordingly.

A Member remarked upon the lack of visitors to Billingsgate Market during the period, noting that such visits were helpful in raising the market’s profile. It was suggested that Committee Members might assist in encouraging relevant high-profile individuals to attend; in response to queries around the sort of people that should be the focus of such approaches the Director advised that it would be best to consult with the Tenants’ Association as to whom they might consider most appropriate.

RESOLVED: That the report be received and its content noted.