Force scheme tackles high cost of sick days

A SCHEME designed to reduce sick days amongst civilian staff with Lothian and Borders Police, which have soared to be the highest among the eight Scottish forces, has been approved.

The attendance management policy was approved by the police board at a recent meeting. Prior to its approval, chief constable David Strang presented a report showing that sick days among officers cost the force £3.6 million between last April and March, while absences among staff cost a further £1.4m.

Under the new scheme, officers or civilian staff who are absent more than three times in a year will face a review by a line manager to identify any “underlying” reasons.

Sick days taken by staff increased to six per cent of all working time between last April and March.