§ Mr. ChidgeyTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what measures he is taking to combat sickness absenteeism in his Department.
§ Mr. FreemanMy Department is aware of the need to seek positive ways to combat sickness absenteeism. At present, initiatives include: a thorough absence reporting system; procedures for dealing with excessive absence; courses and seminars on stress management; a comprehensive welfare service; and education for line managers in occupational monitoring and improving staff attendance rates.