Schools boss calls for context on figures

Fife Council’s head of education, Shelagh McLean, said: “It is important to put these figures in context. These are not percentages, so do not take into account the size of the authority or the total number of teaching staff.

“When compared to authorities of a similar size, Fife is performing quite well. We are aware that staff absence is increasing – and absence due to stress and mental illness is also rising – but it is important to note that the largest proportion of stress or mental illness is not work-related.

“In Fife we are doing a lot of good work to improve the health and wellbeing of our staff. For example, we are currently working with unions to review and improve our staff welfare strategy.

“The refresh will help make sure that teachers know how to access the support they need at the right time.”

A Dundee City Council spokesperson said: “The council monitors and reports absence information to senior managers and all trade unions on a monthly basis.

“We have an agreed health and wellbeing framework which has been developed with the trade unions which forms part of the council’s Our People Strategy.

“Our occupational health provider is assisting with a greater emphasis on early intervention supports for staff, and in recent months there has been a more positive trend in the teaching workforce absence statistics.”

An Angus Council spokesman said: “The council has well-established policies and procedures to ensure that appropriate inquiries are carried out so that staff are supported, and any issues and learning opportunities identified, acknowledged and managed.

“It is important that any member of staff who experiences stress can have confidence they will be supported in an effective way to eliminate or reduce the cause of any work-related stress they have.”

A Perth and Kinross Council spokesperson said: “The council takes a pro-active and positive approach to health and wellbeing, supporting all employees to maximise their attendance at work.”