Is Shepway Sick? Long Term Sickness at Council Soars

Research into long term sickness rates at Shepway District Council by Lib Dem Hythe Campaigner Neil Matthews has revealed a huge jump in long term sickness absences over the last year.

The information came in response to a request for the information from the Council under the Freedom of Information Act from Neil Matthews. The figures show long term sickness figures more than doubled in the six months from June to December, from 8 to 17 absences.

Shepway Council Long term sickness absence from April - December 2007

• April: 9
• May: 8
• June: 8
• July: 7
• August: 5
• September: 8
• October: 17
• November: 22
• December: 17

Neil Matthews commented:

"Is Shepway Council getting sicker? I'm sure there are good reasons for every absence, but this trend is alarming.

"Around 35 staff have left Shepway in the last year and there is a near embargo on replacing a number of positions due to Shepway squeezing its expenditure. Adding in covering this level of sickness must be placing huge pressure on the remaining staff.

"Research has shown that poor staff morale can lead to an increase in long term absence. I hope that this is not the case for Shepway."