01 February 2002
On February 19, 250 officers and members of the council will attend a day of seminars aimed at reducing the levels of sick leave. The council, the island's biggest employer with 5,100 staff, says 4% of its £80m wage bill goes on meeting the costs of absences – about £3.1m each year.
The seminars, held in the island's capital, Newport, will focus on the problem of stress and will include a programme entitled 'Stress – the new asbestos'.
Those taking part will also be allowed, in a 105-minute session, to meditate, or do yoga or water aerobics. The bill for the day will be £7,500.
Max Burton, head of personnel services, said: 'We want a healthier workforce more in tune with different lifestyle and work life balances.' He added that many of the services would be provided free of charge at a council-owned leisure centre.
PFfeb2002