Public Servant Lifestyle

The Northern Ireland Civil Service's (NICS) analysis of sickness absence in the Northern Ireland Departments during 2002/2003 reports a sickness absence rate per staff year of 15.4 days (compared to 15.1 days for the previous 12 months). This represents precisely 7% of available working days.

The majority of absence spells were short-term, lasting for five working days or less, with almost 33% of staff having had no recorded sick absence during the year. The vast majority of working days lost (76.9%) were due to a relatively small proportion of staff (15.4%).

Examples of pro-attendance initiatives being taken across the NI Departments include:

Research & Analysis - On-going production of robust statistics to help target action

Targets for Reduction - The setting of targets by individual Departments for reduction in their level of sickness absence

Training & Communication - Websites on attendance matters & health matters to assist NICS managers and staff; Awareness leaflets for GPs on the support and early return mechanisms available to NICS staff; An interdepartmental best practice working group on managing attendance; Mandatory training for line managers on managing attendance

Policies & Guidance - Specific guidance on the management of long-term sick absence; Guidance on mental well–being at work; A revised NICS Policy on alcohol, drugs and substance abuse; Revised guidance to Departments on phased return from long term or serious illness to assist staff in their rehabilitation.

Professional Support - Strengthening of occupational health capacity through the appointment of three occupational health nurses (two site-based) and a psychiatric nurse; Promotion of Work-life balance and healthy lifestyle through the Workplace Health Improvement Programme and the Civil Service Sports Association’s innovative Health Works Programme; Introduction of Employee Assistance Programmes by Departments; Review of Dependant Care Provisions within the NICS

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Parliamentary Under-Secretary with responsibility for Finance & Personnel, Ian Pearson, MP, comments: "I am acutely aware of the problems associated with the high levels of sickness absence in the Northern Ireland Civil Service and the impact this can have on the delivery of efficient public services in Northern Ireland. This comprehensive report demonstrates very clearly the extent of the problems across the Northern Ireland Departments and despite the significant efforts of Departments there has been a marginal increase in the level of sickness absence.

"The Government remains committed to tackling the problem of high sickness absence in the public sector generally. My Ministerial colleagues and I are determined to address this unacceptably high level of sickness absence and will be working closely with officials to examine the report in detail and consider what further action needs to be taken."

The Minister adds: "Interestingly, the report shows that over three quarters of all working days lost due to sickness absence is attributable to a small number of staff and it is encouraging to note that almost 33% of staff had no sick absence at all during 2002/03.

"As an employer, the Northern Ireland Civil Service has done much to address the well-being of its workforce and to manage better the health of employees. Progressive policies have been, and continue to be developed, to both educate and support staff. These include the Workplace Health Improvement Programme and a Health Works Lifestyle strategy. These are complemented with a strong focus on work-life balance and other initiatives which serve to reinforce the NICS commitment to the health and well-being of its employees."

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