Ulster Unionist Finance Spokesperson, Philip Smith MLA, has said the Northern Ireland Executive needs to get to grips with the worsening levels of sickness absence impacting upon the Northern Ireland Civil Service (NICS).

Philip Smith MLA said:

“Whilst it is a matter of everyday life that people do and will get sick, the revelation that civil servants in Northern Ireland take on average 11.7 days off with sickness will amaze many of those working in the private sector, as well as those civil service colleagues who rarely are absent at all. The level of 11.7 is considerably higher than the UK Civil Service rate of 8.8 missed days, and even more unfavourable when compared against the overall UK jobs average of 6.9.

“The Northern Ireland Executive has consistently failed to meet targets in relation to reducing the number of lost days, and as a result absence rates remain significantly higher here than the Civil Service in Great Britain. There have been several major investigations undertaken into why our rates of sickness absence are so comparatively high, including by the last Finance and Personnel Committee at Stormont, yet another year has passed with no progress at all being achieved. The Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) previously estimated that the average annual cost of absence across the UK was £554 per employee, yet in the Northern Ireland Civil Service these latest figures suggest it is £1,300 per employee – more than double the UK average.    

“Instead of the problem easing, it’s deteriorating.  I will be seeking answers whether the rapid rollout of the Voluntary Exit Scheme contributed to these increased levels of absence.  It now appears a real possibility that the chaotic rollout of the VES, in which thousands of staff left the NICS in a totally uncoordinated manner, may have destabilised the ability of those left behind to continue the same functions as effectively.

“Long-term absence in the NICS, particularly due to mental ill-health reasons, is now a key area requiring attention. It is absolutely imperative that as an employer the Northern Ireland Civil Service is able to support the mental wellbeing of its workers, but also quickly facilitate their return to work when possible.”