Agenda item

The press and public are likely to be excluded from the meeting during consideration of the Appendices attached to this item in accordance with the provisions of Section 100(a)(4) of the Local Government Act 1972 (exempt information as defined in paragraphs 1 and 2 (Information relating to an individual or likely to identify an individual)) of Schedule 12A (as amended) of the Act).

The Finance and Staffing Portfolio Holder received and noted the quarterly monitoring report on sickness absence for the period 1^st April 2017 to 30^th June 2017. 

The first quarter performance had shown a decrease on the previous quarter’s figure.  However, this still represented an increase compared to the same reporting period last year.  It was however encouraging to see a reduction in absence levels or, maintenance of good attendance levels in all but one service area across the Council.  The Finance and Staffing Portfolio Holder welcomed progress made.

A key area of concern was continued delays in the notification of absences and completion of return to work meetings.  The report contained details of this at service level.  The Finance and Staffing Portfolio Holder stressed the need to reinforce the requirement for service managers to be aware of their responsibilities for active attendance management in line with the Attendance Management policy.  He indicated he would use the information on service level performance as a basis for discussion with portfolio holder colleagues.