William Eichler 25 April 2024

10,000 council staff on long-term sick leave

Nearly 10,000 staff members working in councils across England are currently on long-term sick leave, freedom of information requests have revealed.

Sent by the Liberal Democrats to all English councils, the FOI requests showed there were 9,979 council staff on long-term sick leave, up 18% from 8,441 in 2019.

The FOI requests, which received 185 responses, also found 58% of local authorities had seen a rise in staff being off on long-term sickness compared to 2019.

Birmingham City Council has the highest number of staff members on sick leave (561, up from 390 in 2019). Leeds City Council is close behind with 425 currently off (up from 254 in 2019).

Only four councils had no staff on long-term sick leave: West Oxfordshire District Council, Staffordshire, Rushmoor and Copeland.

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Head of Democratic Services, Elections & Monitoring Officer

Grade 12 £67,236 – £71,223 plus £3000pa Statutory Officer Allowance

We are looking for an accomplished and proactive leader for our vacant post of Head of Democratic Services & Elections Market Harborough, Leicestershire

Recuriter: Harborough District Council

Social Worker - Family Support and Safeguarding - Bicester Banbury

£37035 - £47754

You will manage a caseload tailored to your experience, ensuring that children’s and their families’ voices are heard, and their needs are met. You will work with families using the FSP Workbook modules, and a strengths-based approach, ensuring the As Bicester

Recuriter: Oxfordshire County Council