§ Mr. ChidgeyTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport what measures he is taking to combat sickness absenteeism in(a) Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency and (b) the Driving Standards Agency.
§ Mr. NorrisFor a number of years DVLA has been pursuing a strategy of improving attendance through the introduction of more effective line management controls and initiatives to improve staff health and motivation. Since 1985, the average number of days per employee lost through sickness in DVLA has reduced from 16 days to the civil service average of eight days.
Sick absence in the Driving Standards Agency is currently well above the civil service average. The agency is setting up a working group to identify the reasons for this and to make proposals. In the meantime, the agency has introduced a pay scheme designed to reward staff who, through good attendance, help the agency to provide a better service to its customers.