§ Mr. ClaphamTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many days of sick leave were taken by the(a) police force, (b) fire service and (c) prison service in the last year for which records are available; and what the cost was. [56065]
§ Mr. Denham[holding answer 20 May 2002]: The number of days taken as sick leave in 2000–01 and the estimated costs are set out in the table:
Number of days sick leave taken Estimated cost £ million Police officers 1,516,147 1280 Police support staff 746,928 2106 Total 2,263,075 386 Fire service3 4407,369 5— Prison service 614,150 668 1The average daily cost of a police officer is £185. 2The average daily cost of a member of support staff is £142. 3Responsibility for the fire service rests with the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister. 4This is based on 45 out of the 50 brigades providing full information. 5Not available. 6The prison service figure is calculating using a daily £costing of 110 for all staff.