Issue - meetings

The HR and Payroll Manager presented the report to the Committee.

The average number of days lost per employee in Quarter 3 2024/25 was 2.09 days, with the projected outturn for the average number of days lost per employee being 8.93 days for 2024/25 (the target was 8.5 days).

6 Services experienced zero sickness in Quarter 3 2024/25 (a further 5 Services experienced less than 1 day per full-time equivalent (FTE) employee).

Stress/Depression had remained in the top three reasons for absence since Quarter 2 2019/20, with 3 cases of absence due to Stress/Depression during Quarter 3 2024/25 (1 work-related, 1 non work-related, and 1 a combination of home and work-related issues).

There was a direct correlation between employees undertaking physically demanding work and high levels of sickness – Muscular/Skeletal absences were regularly in the top three reasons for sickness absence.

COVID-19 had accounted for 2 days lost due to sickness in Quarter 3 2024/25 – this was the lowest Quarter thus far in terms of average days lost during 2024/25.

There were 12 long term sickness cases in Quarter 3 2024/25, 9 of which were due to physical health ailments and 3 related to Stress/Depression (1 work related).

Health and wellbeing initiatives included: Christmas energy saving tips; Mental Health First Aider Trainers; Safeguarding Adults Webinars; an Are You a Carer? event; Support When You Need It; Vivup Rewards and Benefits (£860 had been saved by employees); Flu Vaccinations; Menopause Support Group (which followed the establishment of a Menopause Policy); wellbeing and first aid rooms were increasing in number; Mental Health Awareness Sessions; Neurodiversity Awareness Training; and Go!Active subsidised membership (for Quarter 3 2024/25, this was 62 subscribers).

A Member noted the care and attention provided by the Council as an employer was exemplary – employees were well safeguarded from the initiatives listed in the report.

A UNISON representative echoed this sentiment, sharing that from a Union point of view, and as recognised in a recent staff survey, the Council proved a good employer.

Moved by Councillor Vicky Wapplington and seconded by Chris McKinney (UNISON)

RESOVED that the report be noted.

Approved by Councillor Clive Moesby Portfolio Holder for Resources