Departments: Sick Leave

David Simpson
To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government what percentage of sick leave taken by staff in her Department was stress-related in each of the last three years.

Angela E. Smith
In each of the last three years the percentage of sick leave which is recorded as stress related is; 2006-07: 8.7 per cent., 2005-06: 8.6 per cent., 2004-05: 8.2 per cent.

Our staff handbook provides information for staff and managers on stress in the workplace. The Department offers counselling and support services to staff and guidance to managers on minimising stress.