Birmingham City Council has announced new measures to tackle staff absence after figures showed the number of sick days has risen to an average of 12.4 days a year.
During 2012/13, staff took an average of 12.4 days off sick, higher than the target of 9.25 days. This figure is also higher than the average sickness absence in 2011/12, which was 9.73 days.
Ian Ward, deputy leader of Birmingham City Council, said: ‘Reducing sickness absence is a key priority for the council, and while the latest figures do not yet fully reflect the council’s approach to the issue, we are absolutely determined to build on our early successes in tackling the number of long-term absences.
‘But it will take time to tackle the issue at its root. Government cuts have caused a rapidly-reduced headcount, leading to low morale and increased stress among remaining employees who are understandably uncertain about their future, and this has impacted on our figures.’
The council has managed to reduce long-term sickness absence over the past 12 months, saving the equivalent of £700,000 in sickness pay and management time.
It will also challenge managers on their awareness and control of absence, improve the reporting of sickness, and will shorten its individual case review process.
