§ Mr. Ralph HowellTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what was the number of days lost through sickness by employees of the NHS in the last year for which figures are available; and what is the number of statutory sick days allowed in each section.
§ Mrs. Virginia BottomleyPrecise details about the number of days lost through sickness and payments made are not held centrally. Control of sickness absence is a matter for local management. It is estimated that in 1989–90 about 4 per cent. of the time of all NHS employees was lost due to sickness.
NHS employees are eligible for statutory sick pay subject to satisfying certain requirements.