§ Mr. ChidgeyTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what measures he is taking to combat sickness absenteeism in(a) Registers of Scotland, (b) the Scottish Prison Service, (c) the Scottish Record Office (d) the Lord Advocate's Department and (e) the Scottish Office.
§ Mr. Lang[holding answer 7 March 1995]: Sickness absence is taken seriously by management and a number of local initiatives have been introduced with a view to reducing it to a minimum. In the Scottish Office, for example, managers are provided with regular information which enables them to monitor absences in their area. As well as taking steps to ensure greater control and management of sick absence, a number of health initiatives have been introduced, including the introduction of an alcohol policy, health screening for staff, the promotion of the benefits of exercise, a healthy life style and eating, the creation of a smoke-free environment and training in stress management.