To ask the Secretary of State for Innovation, Universities and Skills how many and what percentage of staff in his Department and its predecessor have had more than two periods of sickness absence of less than five days in each of the last three years. (218716)

Since the Department was formed in the 28 June 2007 machinery of government changes, 56 staff have had more than two periods of sickness of less than five days. This applies from the date of establishment of the Department to 31 March 2008 (the latest information available). This equates to 6.8 per cent. of current staffing.

To ask the Secretary of State for Innovation, Universities and Skills how many staff in his Department have had five or more periods of sickness absence of less than five days since establishment. (218982)

Since the Department was established in the 28 June 2007 machinery of government changes, 10 staff have had five or more periods of sickness absence of less than five days. This applies from the date of establishment of the Department to 31 March 2008 (the latest information available). This represents of 1.2 per cent. of DIUS staff.