Council sickness levels fall

Employee sickness rates at Wyre Forest District Council are at their lowest for years for the first half of this financial year.

In the first two quarters of 2010 -11, absence across the council was just under 3.4 days per employee compared to 6.2 days in the equivalent period last year.

Councillor Nathan Desmond, Cabinet Member for Resources at Wyre Forest District Council said,

"I am really pleased with the improvement in these figures and council employees are to be congratulated on this achievement against the backdrop of significant change within the council.

Cutting sickness absence has reduced the cost of sick pay by 55% which means better value for residents and more consistent service for all our customers.

"Three years ago council employees had on average 11 sickness leave days per year, which placed us in the bottom 25% of authorities in the country. We are cautious in our optimism as seasonal sickness could affect figures over the winter. However, if current trends continue, we will significantly improve our sickness rates over the coming year.

Councillor Desmond attributed the reduction in absences to close monitoring of sickness levels leading to early intervention. He said,

"The Council will continue to be proactive in managing sickness levels. We will also support measures to improve staff wellbeing through stress awareness and healthy lifestyle promotion."

Date of issue - 24th November 2010