Council defends £7,500 water aerobics day

31 Jan 02
A cash-strapped local authority has denied it is sending its senior managers on an awayday simply to indulge in yoga, meditation and water aerobics. Isle of Wight Council insists it is trying to solve the costly problem of work absences.

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

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