Staff sickness absence for Fermanagh and Omagh has reached its second-highest level in the past five years, it has been revealed.
Understandably figures rose due to the Covid-19 pandemic however, it has also emerged mental health issues remain one of the highest contributing factors for time off work.
Members attending the Policy and Resources Committee meeting were told the 2021/22 year was second highest for sickness absence in the last five years, with a particular increase around inflections related to Covid-19.
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An average of 13.15 days per employee was lost due to sickness, with a total of 9,544 days were lost.
Sickness absence in Fermangh and Omagh Council, specifically related to Covid-19 amounted to a total of 961 absences.
There has been a reduction in the percentage of sickness absence related to mental health to 34 per cent, against 47 per cent in 2020/21.
The increase in infections (including Covid-19) was 5.7 per cent, against 3.2 per cent in 2020/21.
A report by Director of Corporate Services and Governance Celine McCarten states the reasons for sickness absence are reviewed and reported on regularly to both Senior Management Team and Trade Union representatives at the Local Consultation and Negotiation Forum.
The highest level of sickness absence occurs within the directorates and services where employees are predominantly public-facing and, therefore, have no option to work flexibly or from home in periods of mild illness/infections or with Covid-19.
Comparative data for other Northern Ireland Councils will be available later in the year when the Local Government Auditor’s Annual Report is produced.
Independent Councillor Emmet McAleer said the disproportionate sickness levels were to be expected and he was encouraged by the actions being taken to address staff concerns,
Meanwhile, Sinn Fein’s Councillor Tommy Maguire welcomed the inclusion of Trade Union around such issues which had been put forward in the chamber back in 2018.
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