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'Sick' civil servants disciplined 'Sick' civil servants disciplined
(about 11 hours later)
Almost 2,000 civil servants in NI's government departments face disciplinary action over "unacceptable sickness records".Almost 2,000 civil servants in NI's government departments face disciplinary action over "unacceptable sickness records".
The figures were revealed by Finance Minister Peter Robinson following a question by the DUP's Stephen Moutray.The figures were revealed by Finance Minister Peter Robinson following a question by the DUP's Stephen Moutray.
Some 917 staff in the Department of Social Development received a warning or are under notice of dismissal - the highest number in any department.Some 917 staff in the Department of Social Development received a warning or are under notice of dismissal - the highest number in any department.
A DSD spokesman accepted there were high levels of sickness.A DSD spokesman accepted there were high levels of sickness.
In all, 1,838 people face internal procedures - or what the Civil Service calls "inefficiency action" - across the 11 government departments. The statistics were collated at the end of last month.In all, 1,838 people face internal procedures - or what the Civil Service calls "inefficiency action" - across the 11 government departments. The statistics were collated at the end of last month.
The total number of employees is thought to be in the region of 30,000.The total number of employees is thought to be in the region of 30,000.
Mr Moutray, an Upper Bann assembly member, criticised the levels of sickness in the Department of Social Development.Mr Moutray, an Upper Bann assembly member, criticised the levels of sickness in the Department of Social Development.
Departmental action Social Development - 917 Culture and Leisure - 18 Education - 19Finance and Personnel - 135Education and Learning - 155OFMDFM - 10Enterprise - 49Environment -180 Agriculture - 204 Departmental action Social Development - 917 Culture and Leisure - 18 Education - 19Finance and Personnel - 135Employment and Learning - 155OFMDFM - 10Enterprise - 49Environment -180 Agriculture - 204
"The fact that half of those undergoing disciplinary action as a result of poor sickness record are in DSD - over 900 in total - is truly shocking," he said."The fact that half of those undergoing disciplinary action as a result of poor sickness record are in DSD - over 900 in total - is truly shocking," he said.
"If ever there was clear evidence of the sick note culture this is it."If ever there was clear evidence of the sick note culture this is it.
"By the same token if ever there was evidence of the pressing need to make efficiencies in government departments and of the opportunities that exist for those efficiencies to be made this too is it."By the same token if ever there was evidence of the pressing need to make efficiencies in government departments and of the opportunities that exist for those efficiencies to be made this too is it.
"There is clearly something strategically wrong with the direction that DSD is taking and it needs to be addressed urgently.""There is clearly something strategically wrong with the direction that DSD is taking and it needs to be addressed urgently."
Staff in other government departments fared better.Staff in other government departments fared better.
The Department of Agriculture and Rural Development has 204 staff under notice or warning, followed by the Department of the Environment, 180, and Department of Education and Learning, 155.The Department of Agriculture and Rural Development has 204 staff under notice or warning, followed by the Department of the Environment, 180, and Department of Education and Learning, 155.
The Department of Finance and Personnel has 135 people in the same situation while 134 people in the Department of Regional Development are under scrutiny.The Department of Finance and Personnel has 135 people in the same situation while 134 people in the Department of Regional Development are under scrutiny.
'Assisting staff''Assisting staff'
A spokesman for the Department for Social Development said it stringently applied the managing Attendance Procedures.A spokesman for the Department for Social Development said it stringently applied the managing Attendance Procedures.
"The high levels of warning activity provide assurance of a robust usage of the procedures in line with NICS requirements to effectively manage absenteeism levels."The high levels of warning activity provide assurance of a robust usage of the procedures in line with NICS requirements to effectively manage absenteeism levels.
"It should be noted that the Social Security Agency operates a number of positive initiatives aimed at preventing staff from becoming sick, supporting staff during illness and assisting staff back to work."It should be noted that the Social Security Agency operates a number of positive initiatives aimed at preventing staff from becoming sick, supporting staff during illness and assisting staff back to work.
"In addition, the Child Support Agency has a number of innovative initiatives under way.""In addition, the Child Support Agency has a number of innovative initiatives under way."
It is understood that sickness levels can be inflated by a small number of people who are off for many or long periods of time.It is understood that sickness levels can be inflated by a small number of people who are off for many or long periods of time.