§ 7. Mr. Allen McKayasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what was the percentage figure of sickness and absenteeism of staff in his Department's offices for the years 1977, 1978, 1979, 1980 and 1981, respectively.
§ Mr. FowlerFigures are available only for absences through sickness in the local offices. In the period 1977 to 1981 the highest figure for absences through sickness was in 1978 when the figure was 4.52 per cent. Since 1979 the figure has steadily declined and in 1981 was 4.11 per cent.
§ Mr. McKayDoes the Secretary of State accept that absenteeism will vary from area to area and that there will be a difference between areas in the content of the absenteeism? Does he agree that absenteeism reflects the problems in DHSS offices as they become overloaded because of the additional work that the Government have passed on to them because of their unemployment and social security benefit policies? Will he undertake to examine the work load of the staff before they break down under the strain?
§ Mr. FowlerObviously the figures vary from one area to another. The hon. Gentleman cannot have been listening to my answer. The figures show that absenteeism through sickness is coming down, not increasing.
§ Mr. Alfred MorrisIs it not disgraceful—some would say outrageous—that DHSS Ministers should have ceased to operate the job release scheme in respect of the Department's employees, including disabled employees? How can the Government, as an employer, possibly justify the suspension of a scheme that they recommend to other employers?
§ Mr. FowlerI shall consider that issue, but the right hon. Gentleman has raised a question that is entirely separate from the main question tabled by the hon. Member for Penistone (Mr. McKay).