Robinson pledges action on long-term sickness absence

The Northern Ireland Civil Service has published an analysis of sickness absence of non-industrial staff in all departments during 2006/2007.

The report highlights that during the financial year 2006/2007 there was a sickness absence rate per staff year of 13.7 days. This is above the target of 12.4 days and is a marginal increase on last year’s figure of 13.4 days. Overall it represents 6.2% of available working days lost.

Psychiatric/psychological illnesses continue to be the main reason for long-term absence, accounting for 29.2% of working days lost. Absences in this category lasted an average of 37.8 days. More than three quarters of working days lost due to sickness absence are attributable to a relatively small proportion of staff (12.3%), who are absent from work on a long-term basis.

Commenting on the findings today, Finance Minister Rt Hon Peter Robinson MP, MLA, said:

“This report illustrates clearly the extent of the problem with sickness absence across the civil service. While significant efforts have been made, my ministerial colleagues and I are committed to improving attendance in all departments.

“Clearly, long term absence is an area which we need to target for particular attention and action. I am encouraged to note that just over 40% of staff had no sick absence at all during 2006/2007 and a further 32% of staff had only one recorded absence. However, more needs to be done if we are to see meaningful and sustained reduction and to meet our target of 9.5 days by 2010.”

Managing attendance is a key priority within 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/pub-res-sick-absence

Notes to Editors:

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