The figures published by Northern Ireland Statistics and Research Agency (NISRA) show a drop in sick absence levels from 13.7 days last year to 12.9 days in the year 2007/2008. Despite this fall, the minister expressed his disappointment that the figures were not on target and highlighted his determination to work with his ministerial colleagues to ensure levels continue to decrease.
“While it is encouraging to note the reduction in the level of sickness absence across the civil service, clearly more needs to be done if we are to achieve the target of 9.5 days by 2010. A determined effort is underway in departments to address the problem and my ministerial colleagues and I will continue to closely monitor progress.
“Long term absence is an area which we need to target for particular attention and action. The need for action in this area has been reinforced by the Northern Ireland Audit Office and more recently by the Public Accounts Committee in their hard hitting reports.
“However, in accepting that more work is required to tackle the high levels of sickness absence across the NICS, I believe that it is important to acknowledge that over 43% of staff had no sick absence at all during 2007/2008 and over 32% of staff had only one recorded absence.”
The report shows that the high level of sickness absence in the NICS was due, in large part, to the 11.4% of staff who were absent on a long-term basis for an average of 62 working days. Psychiatric/psychological illnesses continue to be the main reason for long-term absence, accounting for 30.7% of working days lost. Absences in this category lasted an average of 39.0 days.
Managing attendance is a key priority within NICS 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.
Notes to Editors:
The report is available on the Department of Finance & Personnel’s website at: http://www.dfpni.gov.uk/pub-res-sick-absence
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