§ Mr. Ralph HowellTo ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many days were lost through sickness among central Government employees in the last year for which figures are available; and what is the number of statutory sick days allowed in each sector.
§ Mrs. Gillian ShephardThe most recent figures available are for 1989 when about 4.7 million days were lost due to sickness absence in the non-industrial civil service, (accounting for about 4 per cent. of days available in the year). The statutory sick pay (SSP) scheme extends to Government employees. SSP is payable for up to 28 weeks for a period of incapacity for work.