A Northern Ireland council is to take the lead for developing a review of local government absentee management after a third of its sick days were attributed to mental health issues.
Lisburn and Castlereagh City Council's (LCCC) latest statistics on health and well-being showed stress and depression as the main reason for employee illness at 33.82%.
Over, 2,720 days were lost during April to December 2022 due to mental health problems overtaking Covid in third place with 1,163 days.
Read more: NI women describe mental health ordeals as they call for increased investment in services.
Corporate committee, vice-chairperson, Uel Mackin ( DUP ) said: "Mental health is now in the number one spot for absenteeism in this council, when it was Covid previously a year or two ago.
"It may not be a work related illness, but do we provide some support to help the employees and get them back to work?
"If we don't look after the staff we wouldn't have anybody.
"I would wish those staff members off sick with mental health issues well and I would hope that they will be back soon."
The chamber heard that the overall cost of sick days to the council was unknown at this time, but would be calculated for the next corporate committee meeting.
A LCCC officer said: "The council continues to work in partnership with USEL (Ulster Supported Employment Ltd), a government based organisation who can assist employees with absence relating to physical impairment or mental health issues.
"They offer services such as physiotherapy and counselling at no cost to the council.
"The council leads the sub group for managing attendance (central and local government) established through PPMA (Public Sector People Managers Association).
"The Northern Ireland Fire Service and Housing Executive are also represented on the group enabling the council to benchmark with external organisations.
"We have undertaken to review the policy for managing attendance during 2023."
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