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Wilson welcomes decline in sickness absence figures but says more needs to be done

Finance Minister Sammy Wilson was cautiously optimistic about the reported reduction in level of sickness absence across the Northern Ireland Civil Service.
~ Monday, 5 December 2011

Official statistics published today by the Northern Ireland Statistics and Research Agency (NISRA) reveals that during the financial year 2010/11 the overall level of sickness absence across the Northern Ireland Civil Service has reduced from 11 days (average days lost per staff year) in 2009/10 to 10.4 days.

The level of sickness absence equates, in paybill terms, to £25.5million, an increase on last year’s figure of £22.9million. The increase in the estimated value of lost production in 2010/2011 is due, in large part, to the inclusion of industrial staff and staff in the Department of Justice and the Public Prosecution Service; however comparing like for like i.e. had these groups been excluded - the estimated lost production this year would be £21.9million.

Commenting on the headline figures, the Minister said: “The decline in sickness absence is encouraging news and provides some indication that the significant focus on this issue by my Executive colleagues is beginning to have an impact.

“While the target for 2010/11 has been achieved, and is to be welcomed, we must not become complacent and must continue with our efforts to ensure that the targets which are set out in the Programme for Government are achieved.”

Managing attendance remains a key priority within all NI departments and there is a comprehensive range of policies and procedures in place to address the problem. Help and support for staff at work and throughout their illness is available, including professional interventions, assistance with rehabilitation and reasonable adjustments.

The Report was completed by the NISRA and is available on the NISRA website.

Notes to editors:

  1. The Report for the first time includes absence details for the Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Public Prosecution Service (PPS). In addition, it is now possible for absence information on industrial staff to be collected on the same basis as for non-industrial staff and this too has been included NISRA’s report.
  2. Media enquiries should be addressed to the Department of Finance and Personnel Communications Office on Tel: 028 9016 3388 or 028 9016 3389. Out of Office hours please contact the Duty Press Officer via pager number 07699 715 440 and your call will be returned.