Mid and East Antrim: staff sickness absence 'has increased significantly since Covid', council told
Sickness absence among Mid and East Antrim Borough Council staff has “increased significantly” since the Covid pandemic, councillors have heard.
A report presented to the council’s Corporate Resources, Policy and Governance Committee at a meeting in Ballymena, indicated 17.8 days were lost “per full-time employee” during the 2024/25 financial year. The council’s target is 15 days. During 2022/23, absence peaked at 17.9 days per full-time employee.
The report said the absence rate “highlights an important challenge” for council. The committee was asked to approve an inclusion and well-being draft strategy and action plan.
The report stated: “We need to better understand the causes behind these absences and strengthen our support systems to help staff stay healthy, supported and present at work”.
It noted 82 per cent of absence is long-term with issues affecting staff “more serious or ongoing in nature and require a compassionate, sustained approach”.
The most common cause of absence was stress, depression or fatigue followed by musculoskeletal (back and neck) and stomach, liver or kidney issues.
The report noted more than half, 52 per cent, of staff are over 50 years of age. “This group brings valuable experience, knowledge and insight to everything we do but we also recognise that with age, health needs can increase and that can affect things like attendance, energy levels and stress.”
The report suggested “fear of judgement may discourage employees from disclosing mental health concerns or seeking the support they need”.
It added: “Skills development will help to create an understanding environment where staff feel psychologically safe to speak with their line manager or trusted colleague about their mental health concerns."
Michelle Weir, Local Democracy Reporter