http://www.thecourier.co.uk/output/2009/09/07/newsstory13741724t0.asp
Viruses take toll on officers
TAYSIDE POLICE has suffered a rise in the number of officers off sick due to viral infections, councillors will hear today.
Members of the joint board that oversees the force will also be told that absence levels are expected to rise over the coming weeks because of swine flu.
New figures show that between April and June officers lost 2482 working days due to illness or injury?219 days higher than the same period last year.
A report to the board?s personnel committee explains that 87 staff ?have suffered a virulent, short-term viral-type infection of higher incidence than normal for the time of year.?
Other reasons for the increase include 27 long-to-medium-term absences and 12 officers who have suffered an accident or injury on duty.
The report adds, ?The force is aware that absence levels are anticipated to rise during an eight to 15-week period commencing around the end of August, with a prediction of a greater incidence of swine flu.?
Force management are drawing up contingency plans for coping, including policies on leave and flexibility in working arrangements for staff who have to look after family members during an outbreak.
Despite the rise in absences, during April and June 73% of all staff achieved a 100% attendance record. That was higher than in both of the previous quarters.
Figures for the whole of 2008-09 show the force lost 4.35% of working days due to absence.
The report says, ?A small number of individuals across the force continue to account for a large percentage of working time lost.?
Four officers retired due to ill health during April-June, three more than the same period last year. The report says such retirals are only allowed ?after all avenues have been explored.?
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Note: NHS Tayside continues to report the highest ili rate in the UK.
Viruses take toll on officers
TAYSIDE POLICE has suffered a rise in the number of officers off sick due to viral infections, councillors will hear today.
Members of the joint board that oversees the force will also be told that absence levels are expected to rise over the coming weeks because of swine flu.
New figures show that between April and June officers lost 2482 working days due to illness or injury?219 days higher than the same period last year.
A report to the board?s personnel committee explains that 87 staff ?have suffered a virulent, short-term viral-type infection of higher incidence than normal for the time of year.?
Other reasons for the increase include 27 long-to-medium-term absences and 12 officers who have suffered an accident or injury on duty.
The report adds, ?The force is aware that absence levels are anticipated to rise during an eight to 15-week period commencing around the end of August, with a prediction of a greater incidence of swine flu.?
Force management are drawing up contingency plans for coping, including policies on leave and flexibility in working arrangements for staff who have to look after family members during an outbreak.
Despite the rise in absences, during April and June 73% of all staff achieved a 100% attendance record. That was higher than in both of the previous quarters.
Figures for the whole of 2008-09 show the force lost 4.35% of working days due to absence.
The report says, ?A small number of individuals across the force continue to account for a large percentage of working time lost.?
Four officers retired due to ill health during April-June, three more than the same period last year. The report says such retirals are only allowed ?after all avenues have been explored.?
==========
Note: NHS Tayside continues to report the highest ili rate in the UK.