Concern over rise in sickness absences for adult social work staff
A rise in the sickness absence rate among adult social work staff at Renfrewshire Health and Social Care Partnership (HSCP) has been branded “worrying”.
Figures show the number of work days lost per full-time equivalent (FTE) have increased from 13.5 in 2020/21 to 17.79 in 2021/22 and further to 21.94 in 2022/23 – against a target of 15.3 days.
Reports drafted by officials to recent council and integration joint board (IJB) meetings acknowledged the issue
“remains a challenge” for the HSCP and confirmed work is ongoing to address it.
In November, approximately 40 managers and team leads attended absence management coaching, while a range of health and wellbeing resources are available to support staff.
Councillor Iain McMillan, Labour group leader, told the recent leadership board: “This is similar to a lot of departments and bodies at the moment, the increase in sickness – it’s really concerning.
“I know through my experience in the IJB, the staff handle that very sensitively and very well, but it’s still worrying, not only the impact on the individuals, but the impact on the overall service.”
The veteran politician, who represents Johnstone South and Elderslie, added that it wasn’t “any secret” that the IJB was facing “difficult times” as it tries to maintain a good level of service amid a difficult financial climate.
SNP council leader Iain Nicolson, an SNP representative for Erskine and Inchinnan, said at the meeting: “I think the points you’re making with regards particularly to the workforce planning side of it is quite longstanding.
“I don’t know how that’s going to pan out because it’s across a lot of different sectors, that impact.
“I might be as bold to suggest it’s related to Brexit and other things as well, changes in the workforce, so I’m pretty sure the IJB will be on top of that with regards to trying to resolve that issue as quick as they can.”
It’s worrying, not only the impact on the individuals, but the impact on the overall service