To ask the Secretary of State for Health what the rate of (a) absence and (b) absence resulting from ill-health was among NHS employees in Yorkshire in 2008-09; what estimate he has made of the cost to the public purse of such absences; and if he will make a statement. (281725)

The information requested is not held centrally.

The Department recognises that high quality care needs a high quality workforce, so in November 2008, the then Secretary of State for Health, my right hon. Friend the Member for Kingston upon Hull, West and Hessle (Alan Johnson), announced a review of the health and wellbeing of the NHS Workforce. The review is currently calling for evidence from employers, staff and key stakeholders.