HC Deb 18 March 1953 vol 513 cc3-4
10. Mr. Osborne

asked the Assistant Postmaster-General the sick rate amongst Post Office employees in terms of days' absence per person for the years 1952 and 1951; and how this compares with the pre-war figure.

Mr. Gammans

The average number of days sick absence per person for non-disabled established staff was as follows: In 1938, 8.1 days for men and 9.3 for women; in 1951, 15.0 days for men and 18.4 for women. The corresponding figures for 1952 are not yet available.

Mr. Osborne

Does my hon. Friend know the reason for this alarming increase in sickness absence; are people paid while absent, and can he give any idea of what the saving in manpower would be if the absence rate were the same as before the war?

Mr. Gammans

This is a very alarming increase and the Government and the Post Office under successive Administrations have been disturbed about it. With regard to the last part of my hon. Friend's supplementary question, I estimate that if the figures were the same as before the war there would be a saving in staff of at least 6,500 people.

Mr. Nicholson

Is it not a fact that there has been a change in Post Office regulations and practice in connection with the notification of illness?

Mr. Gammans

Before the war the Post Office had their own doctors, whereas now the staff comes under the National Health Service.

Mr. Osborne

Are wages paid during sickness, and has anything been done to check this?

Mr. Gammans

The ordinary sickness regulations governing Government employment, of course, apply. With regard to the second point, this matter is under very careful consideration, not only by the Government, but also in co-operation with the trade unions, whose help and advice have been sought in this matter and are being very readily given.

Mr. Ness Edwards

Can the hon. Gentleman say what progress has been made with those consultations which I set in motion when I was at the Department? It is a serious problem and the unions undertook a general examination in each region. Could the hon. Gentleman say what has happened?

Mr. Gammans

I am afraid I am not in a position to make a definite statement to the right hon. Gentleman.