Issue - meetings

The Executive Director, Finance and Corporate Resources informed Members that there was a slight increase in the average number of day’s absence for this quarter from 1.98 days to 2.16 days, which was not unusual for the time of year.  The increased figure would give a predicated outturn for the year of 7.7 days, which was a slight reduction to last year’s outturn of 8.2 days.

The Executive Director, Finance and Resources highlighted the following areas:

• The pilot scheme which was being carried out at the Depot to manage sickness, which included involvement from the trade unions, Head of Services and Human Resources and the possible “roll out” of the scheme to all areas of the Council.
• Details of the long term sickness problems at Worcestershire Regulatory Services and how these were being addressed.
• The take up of the staff support network – Employment Assistance, which was able to provide support in all areas of a member of staff’s life, including personal problems as well as any work related issues.

Following presentation of the report, Members discussed the following points in more detail:

• The recording of sickness absence – Members agreed it would be more helpful if the number of days for each department could be equated against the number of staff within that department. (Officers to make necessary amendments for the next quarterly report.)
• The recording of absences for such things as T.A. service and Jury service. (Officers to explore whether this could be included in future reports.)
• The role of the Wellbeing Officer

After further discussion it was

RESOLVED that the Sickness Absence Performance and Health Report for the period ended 30th December 2012 be noted.