Lisburn and Castlereagh City Council to lead review of absenteeism after it was revealed a third of its sick days are due to metal health issues

Lisburn and Castlereagh City council is to take the lead for developing a review of local government absentee management after a third of its sick days were attributed to mental health issues.
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The Council’s (LCCC) latest statistics on health and well-being showed stress and depression as the main reason for employee illness at 33.82%.

Over, 2,720 days were lost during April to December 2022 due to mental health problems overtaking Covid in third place with 1,163 days.

Corporate committee, vice-chairperson, Uel Mackin said: “Mental health is now in the number one spot for absenteeism in this council, when it was Covid previously a year or two ago.

Lisburn and Castlereagh City Council is to review staff sick daysLisburn and Castlereagh City Council is to review staff sick days
Lisburn and Castlereagh City Council is to review staff sick days

“It may not be a work related illness, but do we provide some support to help the employees and get them back to work?

“If we don’t look after the staff we wouldn’t have anybody. I would wish those staff members off sick with mental health issues well and I would hope that they will be back soon.” A Council officer said: “The council continues to work in partnership with USEL (Ulster Supported Employment Ltd), a government based organisation who can assist employees with absence relating to physical impairment or mental health issues.

“They offer services such as physiotherapy and counselling at no cost to the council.

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“The council leads the sub group for managing attendance (central and local government) established through PPMA (Public Sector People Managers Association).

“The Northern Ireland Fire Service and Housing Executive are also represented on the group enabling the council to benchmark with external organisations.

“We have undertaken to review the policy for managing attendance during 2023.”