The administration of Jobcentre Plus is a matter for the Chief Executive of Jobcentre Plus, Lesley Strathie. She will write to the hon. Member.
Letter from Lesley Strathie, dated 20 April 2006:
The Secretary of State has asked me to reply to your question asking how many days have been lost to sickness absence in each of the last three years in Jobcentre Plus. This is something which falls within the responsibilities delegated to me as Chief Executive of Jobcentre Plus.
The information is in the table.
Working days lost Working days available Average working days lost per staff full time equivalent (days) 2003-04 1,055,680 20,721,054 12.7 2004-05 978,869 19,573,156 12.5 2005-06 811,168 19,099,391 10.6
Jobcentre Plus has placed a great deal of emphasis on reducing sickness over several years and we continue to press for further improvement.
I hope this is helpful.