Issue - meetings

Mrs Bal Sandher, the Head of HR Shared Services presented a report which updated the Committee on sickness absence levels and mental illness.  It also outlined the range of initiatives that had been put in place to proactively manage mental illness and promote wellbeing to improve the health of the workforce.

Councillor Newton arrived at 11.15 a.m. as this item was being discussed.

The Committee made the following observations:-

·  That staff should not be put up to fail by taking on extra work when they are short staffed

·  That the amount of activities the Council carry out should not increase unless the resource levels are considered adequate

·  That there was a growing population but the Council had a shrinking workforce

·  That budget cuts in future needed to address the impact that this would have on staff resources

·  That the issue of inadequate staff resources should be taken up by Group Leaders at their Strategic Leaders Meeting with the Corporate Leadership Team

In response to a question raised by a Member, Mrs Sandher confirmed that some of the mental illness had been as a result of their existing illness rather than work related.

Mrs Sandher also confirmed that she would distribute by email a copy of the quarterly reports that provide data on sickness to Members of the Committee.

RESOLVED:

1.  That the level of sickness absence and absence related to mental illness be noted.

2.  That the causes of mental illness be noted.

3.  That the on-going actions taken to monitor, manage and promote mental wellbeing across the Council be noted.