§ Mr. Paul MarsdenTo ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department (1) how many sick days were lost over the last year by the Department through staff mental health problems; [111995]
(2) many staff in the Department have taken sick leave due to mental health problems in the last year. [111981]
§ Ms Rosie WintertonThis information is not yet available. My Department will be carrying out an analysis of sick absence by type of illness for the financial year 2002–03 over the next few weeks, after which I will write to the hon. Member with details, a copy of which will be placed in the Libraries of both Houses.
My Department is committed to managing sickness absence effectively. A great deal of work has been undertaken to raise awareness of our Service Delivery Agreement targets, and of the need to manage attendance in accordance with best practice policies. My Department is also committed to providing a safe working environment for employees, by seeking to reduce absence due to work related injuries and illness arising from the government's Revitalising Health and Safety initiative.