Council loses nearly a year's work due to absenteeism

According to the latest figures from April 2009 to March 2010, the number of days lost by staff due to absence was 2,145 compared to 1,791 during the same period the previous year (2008/9) - a rise of 354 days!

Out of the 126 full time employees 90 had one or more absences in 2009/10 compared to 93 of the 124 members of staff in 2008/8.

However it was revealed in the Resources Task Group report that this year’s main increase was down to ‘long term absences’.

The report explained: ‘Managers and supervisors continue to manage absenteeism in accordance with the Attendance Improvement Scheme.

‘The Corporate Management Team receive and discuss the level of absenteeism on a monthly basis. Unfortunately the level of absenteeism in 2009/10 has increased. This main increase is in long term absences.

‘The three employees on long term absence in receipt of no pay have prematurely retired on the grounds of ill health.

‘The council makes an annual absenteeism return to the Chief Local Government Auditor. The auditor produces an annual report on absenteeism in local government in Northern Ireland. This will be tabled for committee when received.’

However the report also revealed that 52 of the 126 full time equivalent employees were without an absence during 2009/10, compared to 48 of the 124 employees the previous year.