Civil servants average 9.1 sick days a year

The average number of working days lost per employee due to sickness absence in the civil service fell from 10 in 2003 to 9.1 in 2004, according to latest official figures.

Mental disorders, including stress, along with tumours and cancers, account for a large proportion of long-term absences among civil servants.

Long-term absence drives up the overall figure for working days lost to sickness absence. A large number of civil servants reported absences due to mental disorders, which often lasted for up to a quarter of a person-year. Although fewer staff were absent as a result of cancer and tumours, these absences tended to be longer-lasting than for mental ill health, averaging 27.8 days per spell.

Also

Taskforce sees progress on public sector absence   The second report of a ministerial taskforce on health, safety and productivity in the public sector claims that there are early indications of progress as a result of its work.

Managing sickness absence in the public sector  European Industrial Relations Review looks at key findings from the UK government's report on managing sickness absence in the public sector and the recommendations it contains.

Spotlight falls on public sector employees' absence levels  A second annual rise in civil service absence sets the scene for a government campaign to combat sick leave across the public sector. Sarah Silcox reports.

Civil service absence cost £370 million in 2002  From IRS Employment Review.

Public sector absence round-up  Back in 1999, public sector employers were set ambitious targets to cut absence rates by the end of this year. IRS Employment Review looks at absence in local government, police forces and the civil service and conclude that progress is patchy.