To ask the Secretary of State for Children, Schools and Families what the cost of sickness pay to staff within his Department was in the most recent year for which figures are available. (187510)

It is not possible to provide information for a whole year as my Department was created as part of the Machinery of Government changes on 28 June 2007. However, I am able to tell you that for the six months ending 31 December 2007 the cost of sickness pay to staff within the Department amounted to £1.52 million.

The Department is committed to managing sickness absence effectively and keeping it to a minimum. Effective preventative measures, including maintaining a healthy work environment, are in place, supported by prompt action when people become sick.