Unions slam action to cut sick leave in NI

13 Jan 05
Unions in Northern Ireland are protesting about ministers' 'draconian' actions to cut levels of sickness absence.

14 January 2005

Unions in Northern Ireland are protesting about ministers' 'draconian' actions to cut levels of sickness absence.

In the Northern Ireland civil service, sick days are running at twice the level of the British private sector, according to figures published by the province's Department of Finance and Personnel. In the year 2003/04, the average number of days lost per employee was 15.5.

Finance Minister Ian Pearson said: 'I am acutely aware of the problems associated with the high levels of sickness absence and the impact this can have on the delivery of efficient public services.'

All departments have now established programmes to reduce sickness absence, including training managers on absence management, ending occupational sick pay in some circumstances and additional occupational health support.

The moves were attacked by Nipsa, the province's main public sector union. General secretary John Corey said that over the past year 'management have been enforcing draconian procedures against staff who are genuinely ill'.

PFjan2005

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