Work absences due to mental health issues rises

THE number of Renfrewshire Council staff who have been absent from work due to mental health issues has rocketed by almost a third in the past four years.

Shocking statistics have shown in 2013/14, there were 663 council staff off work due to psychological problems such as stress, anxiety, depression and bereavement, while in 2017/18, there were 854.

And up to the end of September in 2018/19, there have been 464 staff off work, more than half the amount in 2017/18 as a whole.

For the past two years, 2016/17 and 2017/18, some staff have been off work due to psychological issues for the whole year. The longest absence for this reason so far this financial year has been 183 days.

The data gained via a Freedom of Information request, was of concern to Stephen McLellan, chief executive of Recovery Across Mental Health.

The Paisley-based service promotes recovery from mental ill health by providing immediate support to those in crisis situations.

Mr McLellan said the figures did not come as a shock. He said: “This is the kind of pattern we’re seeing across the public sector, which has taken a huge hit in terms of austerity and cuts.”

A Renfrewshire Council spokesman said: “The majority of these absences are non-work related. We work hard to provide a healthy working environment and encourage staff to talk to us about any pressures they may face , with a range of support services in place.

“Regular meetings between employees and managers together with our occupational health team support staff to return to the workplace.”