Issue - meetings

This report provides an update on the implementation of the new Attendance at Work policy, procedures and guidelines, and indicates progress on a number of strategic approaches to maximise attendance and further the reductions in sick absence levels throughout the Council.

RESOLVED: That the work being undertaken in this area be noted.

REASON:      To ensure the achievement of significant and sustained improvements in attendance levels.

Members considered a report which provided an update on the implementation of the new Attendance at Work policy, procedures and guidelines, together with progress on strategic approaches being taken to maximise attendance and reduce sickness absence across the Council.

Since the introduction of the new policy on 1 October 2007, there had been significant improvements in sickness absence levels, with an overall reduction from 12.9 days to 9.54 days per full time equivalent (FTE) member of staff.  This early improvement had recently shown signs of levelling off and it was recognised that further work was needed to achieve further reductions and ensure that absence levels did not ‘bounce’.

Training had been delivered to managers and HR administrators to clarify their roles and responsibilities under the new policy, which was now completely functional.  However, the implementation of the amended Delphi system had taken longer than expected and was not yet fully operational.  To ensure further improvements in absence levels, the HR Corporate Development Team was leading on a number of strategic actions, including corporate management training, health and well-being promotion activities, rehabilitation programmes and work / life balance policies.  Attendance management had also been included as an item within the Single Improvement Plan (SIP) approved by Members in June 2008.

With reference to the comments made by Cllr Taylor on this item, Members noted that there was no evidence of any institutionalised bullying in the Council.  Individual allegations of bullying or other staff grievances should be dealt with in accordance with established ‘escalation’ procedures.

Having noted the comments of the Shadow Executive on this item, it was

RESOLVED: That the work being undertaken in this area be noted.

REASON:      To ensure the achievement of significant and sustained improvements in attendance levels.