| Synopsis: |
This report examines the relative position of absenteeism within Northern Ireland councils and considers absenteeism for the sector as a whole when compared with other employment sectors. When viewed as lost productivity, absenteeism in Northern Ireland councils cost GBP 15.5m in 2006-07. For 2006-07 Northern Ireland councils as a whole had an average absenteeism rate of 13.82 days. This rate has increased marginally when compared to the 2005-06 rate of 13.73 days. The 2006-07 absenteeism rate for Northern Ireland councils remains lower than the rates recorded for the years 2002-03 to 2004-05.This increase in lost productivity represents 4,000 additional days absence (125,000 in 2005-06, 129,000 in 2006-07). A comparison of the councils' 2006-07 absenteeism rate with some other employment sectors shows that Northern Ireland councils as a sector continues to have a high absenteeism rate. The absenteeism rate for Northern Ireland councils is, however, marginally lower than the Northern Ireland Health Service. Stress, depression, mental health and fatigue remain the largest cause of absenteeism, responsible for one fifth of days lost in both 2005-06 and 2006-07.Lost productivity due to stress related absence cost Northern Ireland councils GBP 3.1m in 2006-07. |