Increase in mental health absences at council

The average number of sick days per year taken by employees at Warwickshire County Council has increased since June 2023

Stress and mental health related staff absence at Warwickshire County Council has risen.

The long-standing issue of rising sickness rates prompted a detailed report for councillors on the resources and fire & rescue overview and scrutiny committee.

The average number of sick days per year taken by a full-time equivalent council employee is 10.62, up from the 8.99 recorded in June 2023.

The committee said they were satisfied with the efforts of the council's senior officers to address staff absences, but the numbers remained high.

Alongside the overall rise in absences, the proportion attributed to stress and mental health remains significant – it was 28% in 2022-23.

The recent review states it is currently responsible for 46% of absences of four weeks or longer.

A number of measures have been brought in including preventative work and return to work interviews following time off, with particular focus on those absent for nine months or longer.

'Proactive support'

Bal Jacob, Warwickshire County Council's director of workforce and local services, said: "We are working on making sure we can do whatever we can to support all our employees because ultimately, the impact is on the people who are left at work trying to carry on.

"We recognise that so we are proactively looking to support everyone in the organisation, not just those who are off sick."

However, committee chair Adrian Warwick made the case for the matter to stay on the radar.

"This should remain a priority," he said.

"Our number one priority and resource at this authority is our workforce and we need to make sure they are looked after, so they can continue delivering what we want to ensure Warwickshire is the best place it can be."

This news was gathered by the Local Democracy Reporting Service which covers councils and other public service organisations.