Staff absence strategy is a success - 12-05-2008

Efforts to tackle staff absence at Birmingham City Council are proving successful, according to figures just released for the 2007/08 financial year.

As a result of the policies and procedures led by Cllr Alan Rudge, Cabinet Member for Equalities and Human Resources, an average of just 9.89 days were taken off by employees across the organisation - down from the 2006/07 total of 10.25 days and the 2005/06 total of 10.18 days.

Cllr Rudge said: "I am delighted by the final figure that has been recorded for 2007/08. It shows the approach taken by the city council to tackle the problem of staff absence has been successful.

"The last year has seen the council develop and progress its Pay and Grading Review, which, despite the fair offer we have put forward, has left some employees feeling uncertain - so to post improved figures is highly encouraging.

"However, we will not rest on our laurels. We were slightly short of our target for this year of 9.75 days, so it is crucial that we continue to make progress as the council's productivity will be increased if less time is taken off by staff."

If you have a local SuttonColdfield event or local SuttonColdfield news you wish to promote, please send the details via e-mail to:

Other News from SuttonColdfield

• Cheapest diesel, cheapest petrol in Sutton Coldfield
• Birmingham pupils row, row, row their way to fitness
• Smoke free Birmingham one year on
• Million Pound Support Package for Aston Businesses
• Excellent examples of customer service sought for official recognition