§ Mr. ChidgeyTo ask the Secretary of State for Education what measures she is taking to combat sickness absenteeism in(a) the Teachers Pensions Agency and (b) her Department.
§ Mr. BoswellSickness absence in the Department, including the Teachers Pensions Agency, is monitored and reported monthly to heads of branch. Referrals are made to personnel and welfare officers when an individual's sick leave totals give cause for concern. In addition, the Department is about to launch an initiative to(a) remind staff of the procedures to follow if they are sick and (b) encourage line managers through briefings and training to take a leading role in managing sickness absence firmly but fairly.