To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change how many staff in his Department have had five or more periods of sickness absence of less than five days since its inception. (316466)

The Department encourages a culture where good attendance is expected and valued. However, it recognises from time to time absences for medical reasons may be unavoidable. The Department aims to treat its staff who are ill with sympathy and fairness and where possible provide them with support which will enable them to recover their health and return to work.

No staff have had five or more periods of sickness absence of less than five days since the Department's inception in October 2008.