Wilson welcomes fall in civil service sickness absence levels

Finance Minister Sammy Wilson has welcomed another fall in sickness absence levels across the Northern Ireland Civil Service.

A report published today by the Northern Ireland Statistics and Research Agency (NISRA), highlights that during the financial year 2008/2009 the overall level of absence in the non-industrial civil service has continued to fall, down from 12.9 days in 2007/08 to 11.0 days. There has also been a corresponding reduction in the notional costs associated with sickness absence, down from £24.5million in 2007/08 to £21.0million in 2008/09.

Despite the fall, the Minister emphasised his commitment to reducing further the sickness levels that had been reducing steadily for a number of years. These latest figures represent an overall improvement of some 29% since 2003/04.

The Minister said: “I welcome NISRA’s comprehensive report which provides a detailed analysis of sickness absence across NI Departments.

"Over recent years, the management of sickness absence across the NICS has come under close ministerial and political scrutiny. It is therefore encouraging to note that the level of sickness absence has fallen substantially from last year, down from 12.9 days to 11.0 days.

"This reflects the priority which former Finance Ministers Peter Robinson and Nigel Dodds attached to the management of sickness absence and a developing culture of attendance across NI Departments. In this regard, it is significant to note that the proportion of staff with no recorded sickness absence at all has increased from 43.1% to 49.8%. It is also worth noting that the vast majority of working days lost was due to a relatively small proportion of staff, 10.2%, who were absent on a long-term basis. I have asked my officials to continue to focus on this particular aspect and ensure effective management of long-term sickness absence.”

Managing attendance is 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 Northern Ireland Statistics & Research Agency and is available on the Department of Finance & Personnel’s website at: http://www.dfpni.gov.uk/index/publications-what-are-our-priorities-internal-external-performance-reviews-sick-absence.htm

Notes to editors:

1. The analysis refers to sickness absence levels of non-industrial staff in all departments during 2008/09.
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