§ Mr. Matthew TaylorTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will make a statement on the progress made by his Department since 1999 in reducing sickness absence; what targets he has agreed with the Cabinet Office; and if he will make a statement. [135493]
§ Dr. Howells[holding answer 30 October 2000]: The Cabinet Office prepares each year an annual report of sickness absence in the Civil Service, which includes information for each department. The report for 1999 is currently being finalised and will be published soon.
Details of the department's targets for reduced sickness absence for the years 2001 and 2003 against a baseline year of 1998 will be included in its Service Delivery Agreement. This is also to be published shortly.
The department has a programme of action to encourage management best practice in maximising attendance.