Today's most viewed
Row over council's sick note culture
CITY of York Council has one of the worst staff sickness records of any unitary authority in the country, the District Auditor has warned.
The auditor's annual audit and inspection letter has also revealed how a recent staff survey identified that a significant proportion of staff were struggling to cope with the demands of their job.
"The continued drive for efficiency is placing increasing pressure on your resources," said the letter. "The overall sickness level of your workforce is among the highest of any unitary council."
Today Labour leader Coun David Scott claimed the authority was failing in its responsibilities to look after its staff's welfare.
"This is especially worrying both for staff themselves, but also for the possible knock-on effect of staff having to cover other staff and going off sick themselves through stress," he said.
He claimed that while some directorates had seen an improvement, matters had got worse in others.
"The council really ought to have taken this issue much more seriously not months, but years ago and we could have avoided ending up in this mess," he said.
"Not only is it an indictment upon the way the council manages its workforce, but it can also act as a barrier to people wanting to come and work for the authority and that dilutes the strength of candidates we can see applying for jobs."
He said it was bad for staff and their colleagues and families, as well as the council tax payer, if the causes of sickness were not addressed.
"There doesn't seem to be any corporate targets for reducing sickness, as well as no consistent targets across directorates or even within directorates. In order to deliver improving public services, this issue should be top of the agenda within each council directorate and the council's leadership."
The council's Liberal Democrat leader, Steve Galloway, said today that at an executive meeting earlier in the week, the District Auditor - who was present - had praised the authority for "considerable progress" that had been made in reducing sickness levels over the last year.
"The sickness levels are now significantly below those that we inherited from the last Labour administration," he said. "We expect to make further progress in addressing this important issue over the next year."
Have your say
What should the city council do to reduce sickness levels?
11:49am Friday 28th March 2008
Print 
Email this 
CommentPosted by: Angry and Frustrated, York on 11:53am Fri 28 Mar 08
What should the city council do to reduce sickness levels?
Stop paying sick pay! Whilst there are plenty of people who are "genuinely" ill, there are also a lot of "skivers" - if they were not going to get paid for their time off sick it may make them think twice before "pulling a sickie"
What should the city council do to reduce sickness levels?
Stop paying sick pay! Whilst there are plenty of people who are "genuinely" ill, there are also a lot of "skivers" - if they were not going to get paid for their time off sick it may make them think twice before "pulling a sickie"
Posted by: Angry and Frustrated, York on 11:54am Fri 28 Mar 08
What should the city council do to reduce sickness levels?
Stop paying sick pay! Whilst there are plenty of people who are "genuinely" ill, there are also a lot of "skivers" - if they were not going to get paid for their time off sick it may make them think twice before "pulling a sickie"
What should the city council do to reduce sickness levels?
Stop paying sick pay! Whilst there are plenty of people who are "genuinely" ill, there are also a lot of "skivers" - if they were not going to get paid for their time off sick it may make them think twice before "pulling a sickie"
Posted by: bobby dazzler, york on 12:27pm Fri 28 Mar 08
This is funny!! The council wants to spend 40million on a new building that nobody turns up to because its employes sloffs! Haha. Maybe they would all turn up to work if they had a new modern echo building? nah they'll just stay at home still.
This is funny!! The council wants to spend 40million on a new building that nobody turns up to because its employes sloffs! Haha. Maybe they would all turn up to work if they had a new modern echo building? nah they'll just stay at home still.
Posted by: BL on 12:41pm Fri 28 Mar 08
[quote][bold]Angry and Frustrated[/bold] wrote:
What should the city council do to reduce sickness levels?
Stop paying sick pay! Whilst there are plenty of people who are "genuinely" ill, there are also a lot of "skivers" - if they were not going to get paid for their time off sick it may make them think twice before "pulling a sickie"[/quote] They also would (most likely) not work there in the first place! I would certainly not apply for a job that did not have some form of fully paid sick leave! Being off ill is unavoidable at times and what are you supposed to do if you only get the joke amount of statutory sick pay?
Angry and Frustrated wrote:
What should the city council do to reduce sickness levels?
Stop paying sick pay! Whilst there are plenty of people who are "genuinely" ill, there are also a lot of "skivers" - if they were not going to get paid for their time off sick it may make them think twice before "pulling a sickie"
They also would (most likely) not work there in the first place! I would certainly not apply for a job that did not have some form of fully paid sick leave! Being off ill is unavoidable at times and what are you supposed to do if you only get the joke amount of statutory sick pay?
Posted by: Tonyone on 12:53pm Fri 28 Mar 08
[quote]CITY of York Council has one of the worst staff sickness records of any unitary authority in the country, the District Auditor has warned.[/quote]
That's truly amazing. I had to read 'in the country' again as I thought it meant county.
Smack bottom time has been past already, put the carrots away Mr Galloway and get the stick out; to the managers.
CITY of York Council has one of the worst staff sickness records of any unitary authority in the country, the District Auditor has warned.
That's truly amazing. I had to read 'in the country' again as I thought it meant county.
Smack bottom time has been past already, put the carrots away Mr Galloway and get the stick out; to the managers.
Posted by: AdmiralN, York Centre on 1:04pm Fri 28 Mar 08
I dont know wether this is true, but i heard that the council expect each member of staff to have 2 weeks off sick a year, and those that dont get bonus days off over christmas etc.
I dont know wether this is true, but i heard that the council expect each member of staff to have 2 weeks off sick a year, and those that dont get bonus days off over christmas etc.
Posted by: Tonyone on 1:13pm Fri 28 Mar 08
[quote][bold]AdmiralN[/bold] wrote:
I dont know wether this is true, but i heard that the council expect each member of staff to have 2 weeks off sick a year, and those that dont get bonus days off over christmas etc.[/quote] Give over, lol, my sides are splitting.
AdmiralN wrote:
I dont know wether this is true, but i heard that the council expect each member of staff to have 2 weeks off sick a year, and those that dont get bonus days off over christmas etc.
Give over, lol, my sides are splitting.
Posted by: Mullarkian, York on 1:17pm Fri 28 Mar 08
That's probably why the proposed new HQ hasn't enough room for existing staff - they must be planning to expand the sick note culture so they never have full attendance.
That's probably why the proposed new HQ hasn't enough room for existing staff - they must be planning to expand the sick note culture so they never have full attendance.
Posted by: see sense, york on 1:20pm Fri 28 Mar 08
It's no excuse for York being one of the worst, but Councils will always have worse sick levels than private industry.
That i because Public bodies are ultra PC and employ staff that private industry wouldn't.
I don't know if that is right or wrong, but a high proporton of disabled people on your work force means an above average level of sickness levels.
The other day the radio had a feature on the fact that many private firms will not employ women of childbearing age because of eth extra costs of maternity leave / temporary staff cover etc.
It's no excuse for York being one of the worst, but Councils will always have worse sick levels than private industry.
That i because Public bodies are ultra PC and employ staff that private industry wouldn't.
I don't know if that is right or wrong, but a high proporton of disabled people on your work force means an above average level of sickness levels.
The other day the radio had a feature on the fact that many private firms will not employ women of childbearing age because of eth extra costs of maternity leave / temporary staff cover etc.
Posted by: Dobby the Elf, Heaven on 1:26pm Fri 28 Mar 08
As a council employee, some of the comments above make my blood boil! Why is it, every time the council is mentioned in any article these comments pages indicate that every single employee is the same (basically a workshy sloth in most cases). I've been with the council for almost 12 years and, in that time, have had one period of absence when I was hospitalised. in the department I work, we are all of the same work ethic (even today, there are three people in the office who by rights are not really well enough to be here). We all work long hours, come in at times when we shouldn't, for not enough pay and are dedicated to our jobs. And no we don't get bonuses if we don't use up 'allocated sick time' (which doesn't even exist!!).
As a council employee, some of the comments above make my blood boil! Why is it, every time the council is mentioned in any article these comments pages indicate that every single employee is the same (basically a workshy sloth in most cases). I've been with the council for almost 12 years and, in that time, have had one period of absence when I was hospitalised. in the department I work, we are all of the same work ethic (even today, there are three people in the office who by rights are not really well enough to be here). We all work long hours, come in at times when we shouldn't, for not enough pay and are dedicated to our jobs. And no we don't get bonuses if we don't use up 'allocated sick time' (which doesn't even exist!!).
Posted by: AdmiralN, York Centre on 1:36pm Fri 28 Mar 08
[quote]And no we don't get bonuses if we don't use up 'allocated sick time' (which doesn't even exist!!).[/quote]
Ok ok, i never said it was true, just what i had heard. I know now that this is not the case.
And no we don't get bonuses if we don't use up 'allocated sick time' (which doesn't even exist!!).
Ok ok, i never said it was true, just what i had heard. I know now that this is not the case.
Posted by: Mike, York on 1:46pm Fri 28 Mar 08
Dobby the Elf,
I'm weeping at your tale of woe.
Three people in your office are "not really well enough to be here".
So that's three runny noses then.
If you work so hard for so little money, and don't like it, change your job!
A good way to reduce council absenteeism would be to drop persistant "sickies" onto statutory sick pay.
This is tax payers money and the council shouldn't have the right to pay full salaries to long-term absentees.
Dobby the Elf,
I'm weeping at your tale of woe.
Three people in your office are "not really well enough to be here".
So that's three runny noses then.
If you work so hard for so little money, and don't like it, change your job!
A good way to reduce council absenteeism would be to drop persistant "sickies" onto statutory sick pay.
This is tax payers money and the council shouldn't have the right to pay full salaries to long-term absentees.
Posted by: Dobby the Elf, Heaven on 2:05pm Fri 28 Mar 08
Mike - in answer to your question, no we're not talking running noses. I'm sure the person with cancer will be really pleased to read that! Yet again, assumptions about the council!! The reason that many of us stay with our jobs is because we actually care about what we're doing and work in areas that do not fall within the private sector (in my case education). I agree that people who are persistant 'sickies' should be dropped on to statutory sick pay - not only might this stop negative stories like this running but might also stop bigots putting their mouths into action before their brains are in gear!!
Mike - in answer to your question, no we're not talking running noses. I'm sure the person with cancer will be really pleased to read that! Yet again, assumptions about the council!! The reason that many of us stay with our jobs is because we actually care about what we're doing and work in areas that do not fall within the private sector (in my case education). I agree that people who are persistant 'sickies' should be dropped on to statutory sick pay - not only might this stop negative stories like this running but might also stop bigots putting their mouths into action before their brains are in gear!!
Posted by: AdmiralN, York Centre on 2:21pm Fri 28 Mar 08
Yes Mike education,
not cruising the YP website comments pages!!
Yes Mike education,
not cruising the YP website comments pages!!
Posted by: Dobby the Elf, Heaven on 2:24pm Fri 28 Mar 08
It just gets worse! I'm on leave this afternoon AdmiralN!!!
It just gets worse! I'm on leave this afternoon AdmiralN!!!
Posted by: AdmiralN, York Centre on 2:25pm Fri 28 Mar 08
I wonder how many other council pen pushers are currently browsing the internet rather than working?
I wonder how many other council pen pushers are currently browsing the internet rather than working?
Posted by: Stephen, York on 2:29pm Fri 28 Mar 08
All councils Unitary authority or otherwise across the country are being forced to deliver improved public services through improved IT systems and sharing of those services such as Cambridge and Northampton and other joint co-operation services across departments.
This also means major job reductions or changes to peoples careers.
Funny how this has been going on in the private sector for years too.
Now its the Public service sectors turn for major job and career disruptions such as TUPE of all job service centre staff to private companies etc so that central Government can cut costs and keep TAX's down.
About time they all had a big shake up not forgetting the £120bn pension bill per year for EX-Public services workers.
All councils Unitary authority or otherwise across the country are being forced to deliver improved public services through improved IT systems and sharing of those services such as Cambridge and Northampton and other joint co-operation services across departments.
This also means major job reductions or changes to peoples careers.
Funny how this has been going on in the private sector for years too.
Now its the Public service sectors turn for major job and career disruptions such as TUPE of all job service centre staff to private companies etc so that central Government can cut costs and keep TAX's down.
About time they all had a big shake up not forgetting the £120bn pension bill per year for EX-Public services workers.
Posted by: marjory, york on 2:30pm Fri 28 Mar 08
Last statistics that I saw from last year had sickness levels at over 9% - that's about 20 days a year ie 4 weeks. This is about double the national average for administrative-type jobs. How much does this cost us in lost productivity?
Last statistics that I saw from last year had sickness levels at over 9% - that's about 20 days a year ie 4 weeks. This is about double the national average for administrative-type jobs. How much does this cost us in lost productivity?
Posted by: Dobby the Elf, Heaven on 2:34pm Fri 28 Mar 08
Oh my word - I can just see the next headline "Council 'pen pusher' takes a day's leave, works in the morning whilst not getting leave back then dares to go on Internet in own time" - shocker!
Oh my word - I can just see the next headline "Council 'pen pusher' takes a day's leave, works in the morning whilst not getting leave back then dares to go on Internet in own time" - shocker!
Posted by: Guy Fawkes, Bootham on 2:36pm Fri 28 Mar 08
The point here is not a general discussion about whether all council workers are dedicated public servants or malingering gits, but rather why COYC's sickness levels are much higher than those of other comparable employers. It seems to me that there are three possible reasons:
1. Inadequate health and safety (including occupational health) provision at work - in other words, you're more likely to become (genuinely) ill working for COYC than another council.
2. As See Sense suggested, that COYC has a higher proportion of workers with long-term health problems than other comparable councils.
3. It is not as effective as other councils in cracking down on staff who take the mickey.
I would guess that the answer is probably a combination of all three.
The point here is not a general discussion about whether all council workers are dedicated public servants or malingering gits, but rather why COYC's sickness levels are much higher than those of other comparable employers. It seems to me that there are three possible reasons:
1. Inadequate health and safety (including occupational health) provision at work - in other words, you're more likely to become (genuinely) ill working for COYC than another council.
2. As See Sense suggested, that COYC has a higher proportion of workers with long-term health problems than other comparable councils.
3. It is not as effective as other councils in cracking down on staff who take the mickey.
I would guess that the answer is probably a combination of all three.
Posted by: Lt.Dobie, York-ish on 2:36pm Fri 28 Mar 08
Hence the fewer desks at the new council building...it's not 'hot desking', perhaps 'off sick desking'!!
I like the phrase 'snot desking'!!
;-)
Hence the fewer desks at the new council building...it's not 'hot desking', perhaps 'off sick desking'!!
I like the phrase 'snot desking'!!
;-)
Posted by: Stephen, York on 2:46pm Fri 28 Mar 08
The report could also be raising an underlying fact that York Council managers are not as good at managing required government edicts for for service improvements and have the adequate conflict and Change Management skills as other councils for implementing these forced changes.
The report could also be raising an underlying fact that York Council managers are not as good at managing required government edicts for for service improvements and have the adequate conflict and Change Management skills as other councils for implementing these forced changes.
Posted by: Mike, York on 2:48pm Fri 28 Mar 08
Dobby,
I said "runny nose" not "running nose".
If your nose runs and your feet smell, you're built upside down and you deserve to be off sick!
Dobby,
I said "runny nose" not "running nose".
If your nose runs and your feet smell, you're built upside down and you deserve to be off sick!
Posted by: Dave Taylor, Fishergate, York on 3:14pm Fri 28 Mar 08
It's about time someone stood up for Council staff and I congratulate David Scott for bringing the issue up.
There is a problem at the Council with long-term sickness. From my experience, this has been due to bad management, insufficient resources, and victimisation of staff. Staff complaining of bullying and harrassment are often treated to further victimisation by [italic]in[/italic] Human Resources.
If you treat staff badly, then this is what you get. High rates of sickness and high turnover of staff.
It's about time someone stood up for Council staff and I congratulate David Scott for bringing the issue up.
There is a problem at the Council with long-term sickness. From my experience, this has been due to bad management, insufficient resources, and victimisation of staff. Staff complaining of bullying and harrassment are often treated to further victimisation by
in Human Resources.
If you treat staff badly, then this is what you get. High rates of sickness and high turnover of staff.
Posted by: Uncle Tony, York on 3:25pm Fri 28 Mar 08
[quote]I don't know if that is right or wrong, but a high proporton of disabled people on your workforce means an above average level of sickness levels.[/quote]
Evidence to back this rather sweeping statement up, please?
[quote]There is a problem at the Council with long-term sickness. From my experience, this has been due to bad management, insufficient resources, and victimisation of staff. Staff complaining of bullying and harrassment are often treated to further victimisation by in Human Resources.
If you treat staff badly, then this is what you get. High rates of sickness and high turnover of staff.[/quote]
Alas, this problem is prevalent in the legal profession also.
I don't know if that is right or wrong, but a high proporton of disabled people on your workforce means an above average level of sickness levels.
Evidence to back this rather sweeping statement up, please?
There is a problem at the Council with long-term sickness. From my experience, this has been due to bad management, insufficient resources, and victimisation of staff. Staff complaining of bullying and harrassment are often treated to further victimisation by in Human Resources.
If you treat staff badly, then this is what you get. High rates of sickness and high turnover of staff.
Alas, this problem is prevalent in the legal profession also.
Posted by: Stephen, York on 3:36pm Fri 28 Mar 08
The report also raises an underlying fact that York Council managers are not as good at managing required government edicts for service improvements and lack the adequate
Conflict and Change Management skills other council managers have for implementing the forced changes on their own council departments.
Do your own home work and take a gander at the LGC website and other Government news on their GNN website for changes taking place within local authorities and other government departments.
The report also raises an underlying fact that York Council managers are not as good at managing required government edicts for service improvements and lack the adequate
Conflict and Change Management skills other council managers have for implementing the forced changes on their own council departments.
Do your own home work and take a gander at the LGC website and other Government news on their GNN website for changes taking place within local authorities and other government departments.
Posted by: Stephen, York on 3:39pm Fri 28 Mar 08
Ps,
This was how Gordon Brown was trying to keep UK borrowing down by cutting and privatising UK public government departments to pay for the lower borrowing costs.
Ps,
This was how Gordon Brown was trying to keep UK borrowing down by cutting and privatising UK public government departments to pay for the lower borrowing costs.
Posted by: platform 9, york on 4:12pm Fri 28 Mar 08
[quote][bold]Dave Taylor[/bold] wrote:
It's about time someone stood up for Council staff and I congratulate David Scott for bringing the issue up. There is a problem at the Council with long-term sickness. From my experience, this has been due to bad management, insufficient resources, and victimisation of staff. Staff complaining of bullying and harrassment are often treated to further victimisation by [italic]in[/italic] Human Resources. If you treat staff badly, then this is what you get. High rates of sickness and high turnover of staff.[/quote] I'd just like to add that although there are procedures to deal with sickness and absence it is down to individual managers, departments and directorates how they are implemented - therefore HR only act on the instructions given which kind of makes me wonder who is controlling the issue?
Dave Taylor wrote:
It's about time someone stood up for Council staff and I congratulate David Scott for bringing the issue up. There is a problem at the Council with long-term sickness. From my experience, this has been due to bad management, insufficient resources, and victimisation of staff. Staff complaining of bullying and harrassment are often treated to further victimisation by in Human Resources. If you treat staff badly, then this is what you get. High rates of sickness and high turnover of staff.
I'd just like to add that although there are procedures to deal with sickness and absence it is down to individual managers, departments and directorates how they are implemented - therefore HR only act on the instructions given which kind of makes me wonder who is controlling the issue?
Posted by: Dave Taylor, Fishergate, York on 4:35pm Fri 28 Mar 08
re: Platform9 comment...
A number of cases have been reported to me where, yes you're right, individual managers and departments have acted wrongly. Some of these, I have later found, claim that they DID seek HR advice. Others merely resulted in HR and managers trying to close ranks and defend an indefensible situation with no regard for the employee or the niceties of what is right or wrong.
re: Platform9 comment...
A number of cases have been reported to me where, yes you're right, individual managers and departments have acted wrongly. Some of these, I have later found, claim that they DID seek HR advice. Others merely resulted in HR and managers trying to close ranks and defend an indefensible situation with no regard for the employee or the niceties of what is right or wrong.
Posted by: platform 9, york on 5:10pm Fri 28 Mar 08
[quote][bold]Dave Taylor[/bold] wrote:
re: Platform9 comment... A number of cases have been reported to me where, yes you're right, individual managers and departments have acted wrongly. Some of these, I have later found, claim that they DID seek HR advice. Others merely resulted in HR and managers trying to close ranks and defend an indefensible situation with no regard for the employee or the niceties of what is right or wrong.[/quote] We'll have to meet up for a chat sometime Dave and go over old times? You've moved on and I'm still here
Dave Taylor wrote:
re: Platform9 comment... A number of cases have been reported to me where, yes you're right, individual managers and departments have acted wrongly. Some of these, I have later found, claim that they DID seek HR advice. Others merely resulted in HR and managers trying to close ranks and defend an indefensible situation with no regard for the employee or the niceties of what is right or wrong.
We'll have to meet up for a chat sometime Dave and go over old times? You've moved on and I'm still here
Posted by: TheManWithTheFuManch
uMoustache, LaLa land on 5:28pm Fri 28 Mar 08
But earlier you stated
'even today, there are three people in the [bold]office[/bold] who by rights are not really well enough to be [bold]here[/bold] '
So you were in the office and (obviously) on the net.
Hercule Poirot eat your heart out.
But earlier you stated
'even today, there are three people in the
office who by rights are not really well enough to be
here '
So you were in the office and (obviously) on the net.
Hercule Poirot eat your heart out.
Posted by: TheManWithTheFuManch
uMoustache, LaLa land on 5:30pm Fri 28 Mar 08
[quote][bold]Dobby the Elf[/bold] wrote:
Oh my word - I can just see the next headline "Council 'pen pusher' takes a day's leave, works in the morning whilst not getting leave back then dares to go on Internet in own time" - shocker! [/quote] But earlier you stated
'even today, there are three people in the [bold]office[/bold] who by rights are not really well enough to be [bold]here[/bold] '
So you were in the office and (obviously) on the net.
Me think you protest too much!
Hercule Poirot eat your heart out.
Shame I can't work the quotest thiing mind!
Dobby the Elf wrote:
Oh my word - I can just see the next headline "Council 'pen pusher' takes a day's leave, works in the morning whilst not getting leave back then dares to go on Internet in own time" - shocker!
But earlier you stated
'even today, there are three people in the
office who by rights are not really well enough to be
here '
So you were in the office and (obviously) on the net.
Me think you protest too much!
Hercule Poirot eat your heart out.
Shame I can't work the quotest thiing mind!
Posted by: Tonyone on 5:59pm Fri 28 Mar 08
I empathise with those employees who don't abuse the system but If there are many of you it means the others, who have put York at the bottom of the league, are even worse than we thought.
This problem was sorted out in private industry 15 years ago; come on guys, we ratepayers can't afford this.
I empathise with those employees who don't abuse the system but If there are many of you it means the others, who have put York at the bottom of the league, are even worse than we thought.
This problem was sorted out in private industry 15 years ago; come on guys, we ratepayers can't afford this.
Posted by: marjory, york on 6:12pm Fri 28 Mar 08
Last statistics that I saw from last year had sickness levels at over 9% - that's about 20 days a year ie 4 weeks. This is about double the national average for administrative-type jobs. How much does this cost us in lost productivity?
Last statistics that I saw from last year had sickness levels at over 9% - that's about 20 days a year ie 4 weeks. This is about double the national average for administrative-type jobs. How much does this cost us in lost productivity?
Posted by: see sense, york on 7:01pm Fri 28 Mar 08
[quote][bold]TheManWithTheFuManchuMoustache[/bold] wrote:
But earlier you stated 'even today, there are three people in the [bold]office[/bold] who by rights are not really well enough to be [bold]here[/bold] ' So you were in the office and (obviously) on the net. Hercule Poirot eat your heart out.[/quote] In "the Elf's" defence the original post was during lunchtime - If I was working half a day I wouldn't still be there at 13:45 - would you ?
TheManWithTheFuManchuMoustache wrote:
But earlier you stated 'even today, there are three people in the office who by rights are not really well enough to be here ' So you were in the office and (obviously) on the net. Hercule Poirot eat your heart out.
In "the Elf's" defence the original post was during lunchtime - If I was working half a day I wouldn't still be there at 13:45 - would you ?
Posted by: see sense, york on 7:02pm Fri 28 Mar 08
[quote][bold]AdmiralN[/bold] wrote:
Yes Mike education, not cruising the YP website comments pages!![/quote] And what were you doing then AdmiralN ?
AdmiralN wrote:
Yes Mike education, not cruising the YP website comments pages!!
And what were you doing then AdmiralN ?
Posted by: see sense, york on 7:08pm Fri 28 Mar 08
[quote][bold]Uncle Tony[/bold] wrote:
[quote]I don't know if that is right or wrong, but a high proporton of disabled people on your workforce means an above average level of sickness levels.[/quote] Evidence to back this rather sweeping statement up, please? [quote]There is a problem at the Council with long-term sickness. From my experience, this has been due to bad management, insufficient resources, and victimisation of staff. Staff complaining of bullying and harrassment are often treated to further victimisation by in Human Resources. If you treat staff badly, then this is what you get. High rates of sickness and high turnover of staff.[/quote] Alas, this problem is prevalent in the legal profession also. [/quote] Proof is easy - many disabled people - or people with mobility problems if we are being PC, need more regular visits to doctors and hospitals and they are often more suceptable to to illnesses.
I know a guy who was very good at a very difficult job dealing with the public for a council - but had to take more time of work because of his MS.
I also know a guy quite high up in a private company who told me quite blunty (but off the record) "forget the equality laws, employing disabled peolpe costs too much, we will always find a way around it"
Uncle Tony wrote:
I don't know if that is right or wrong, but a high proporton of disabled people on your workforce means an above average level of sickness levels.
Evidence to back this rather sweeping statement up, please? There is a problem at the Council with long-term sickness. From my experience, this has been due to bad management, insufficient resources, and victimisation of staff. Staff complaining of bullying and harrassment are often treated to further victimisation by in Human Resources. If you treat staff badly, then this is what you get. High rates of sickness and high turnover of staff.
Alas, this problem is prevalent in the legal profession also.
Proof is easy - many disabled people - or people with mobility problems if we are being PC, need more regular visits to doctors and hospitals and they are often more suceptable to to illnesses.
I know a guy who was very good at a very difficult job dealing with the public for a council - but had to take more time of work because of his MS.
I also know a guy quite high up in a private company who told me quite blunty (but off the record) "forget the equality laws, employing disabled peolpe costs too much, we will always find a way around it"
Posted by: see sense, york on 7:08pm Fri 28 Mar 08
[quote][bold]Uncle Tony[/bold] wrote:
[quote]I don't know if that is right or wrong, but a high proporton of disabled people on your workforce means an above average level of sickness levels.[/quote] Evidence to back this rather sweeping statement up, please? [quote]There is a problem at the Council with long-term sickness. From my experience, this has been due to bad management, insufficient resources, and victimisation of staff. Staff complaining of bullying and harrassment are often treated to further victimisation by in Human Resources. If you treat staff badly, then this is what you get. High rates of sickness and high turnover of staff.[/quote] Alas, this problem is prevalent in the legal profession also. [/quote] Proof is easy - many disabled people - or people with mobility problems if we are being PC, need more regular visits to doctors and hospitals and they are often more suceptable to to illnesses.
I know a guy who was very good at a very difficult job dealing with the public for a council - but had to take more time of work because of his MS.
I also know a guy quite high up in a private company who told me quite blunty (but off the record) "forget the equality laws, employing disabled peolpe costs too much, we will always find a way around it"
Uncle Tony wrote:
I don't know if that is right or wrong, but a high proporton of disabled people on your workforce means an above average level of sickness levels.
Evidence to back this rather sweeping statement up, please? There is a problem at the Council with long-term sickness. From my experience, this has been due to bad management, insufficient resources, and victimisation of staff. Staff complaining of bullying and harrassment are often treated to further victimisation by in Human Resources. If you treat staff badly, then this is what you get. High rates of sickness and high turnover of staff.
Alas, this problem is prevalent in the legal profession also.
Proof is easy - many disabled people - or people with mobility problems if we are being PC, need more regular visits to doctors and hospitals and they are often more suceptable to to illnesses.
I know a guy who was very good at a very difficult job dealing with the public for a council - but had to take more time of work because of his MS.
I also know a guy quite high up in a private company who told me quite blunty (but off the record) "forget the equality laws, employing disabled peolpe costs too much, we will always find a way around it"
Posted by: jojo, york on 8:28pm Fri 28 Mar 08
Companies who have high levels of staff sickness and staff turnover have this problem simply because they expect too much of their staff and pay them too little. It`s simple, if you are in a job where you are well paid and treated well you will stay there and you will not be feeling under stress.
I hate all these comments from people who havn`t a clue but are happy to spout on about how much it`s costing `us`, they are probably the same ignoramuses who will be on the phone to Council staff being vile when their recycling bag has blown away in the wind.
When i have been searching for jobs in the past, i have totally discounted jobs advertised by the Council because of the pay, it`s dire in most cases.
The problem with a Company, whether public or private, ALWAYS lies with Management, they are paid to run things and their pay packets reflect this, so stop having a go at the staff and criticise those who are paid to make sure their staff welfare is paramount.
Companies who have high levels of staff sickness and staff turnover have this problem simply because they expect too much of their staff and pay them too little. It`s simple, if you are in a job where you are well paid and treated well you will stay there and you will not be feeling under stress.
I hate all these comments from people who havn`t a clue but are happy to spout on about how much it`s costing `us`, they are probably the same ignoramuses who will be on the phone to Council staff being vile when their recycling bag has blown away in the wind.
When i have been searching for jobs in the past, i have totally discounted jobs advertised by the Council because of the pay, it`s dire in most cases.
The problem with a Company, whether public or private, ALWAYS lies with Management, they are paid to run things and their pay packets reflect this, so stop having a go at the staff and criticise those who are paid to make sure their staff welfare is paramount.
Posted by: the exile, York on 9:45pm Fri 28 Mar 08
[quote][bold]Dave Taylor[/bold] wrote:
It's about time someone stood up for Council staff and I congratulate David Scott for bringing the issue up. There is a problem at the Council with long-term sickness. From my experience, this has been due to bad management, insufficient resources, and victimisation of staff. Staff complaining of bullying and harrassment are often treated to further victimisation by [italic]in[/italic] Human Resources. If you treat staff badly, then this is what you get. High rates of sickness and high turnover of staff.[/quote] Of course David Scott wouldn't be using this issue as some political football would he?
Whilst I'm no fan of S. Galloway he's certainly no Rod Hills...now there's a guy who liked to victimise and bully officers of the council and his own colleagues!I think it's worth mentioning that since the labour group lost control there's been a steep decline in the levels of absence
...surprisingly Councillor Scott seems very quite on that matter.
Dave Taylor wrote:
It's about time someone stood up for Council staff and I congratulate David Scott for bringing the issue up. There is a problem at the Council with long-term sickness. From my experience, this has been due to bad management, insufficient resources, and victimisation of staff. Staff complaining of bullying and harrassment are often treated to further victimisation by in Human Resources. If you treat staff badly, then this is what you get. High rates of sickness and high turnover of staff.
Of course David Scott wouldn't be using this issue as some political football would he?
Whilst I'm no fan of S. Galloway he's certainly no Rod Hills...now there's a guy who liked to victimise and bully officers of the council and his own colleagues!I think it's worth mentioning that since the labour group lost control there's been a steep decline in the levels of absence
...surprisingly Councillor Scott seems very quite on that matter.
Posted by: ouserower, york on 10:44pm Fri 28 Mar 08
Ah a smaller town hall than they need in the pipeline. It all makes sense now.
Ah a smaller town hall than they need in the pipeline. It all makes sense now.
Posted by: Dave Taylor, Fishergate, York on 10:55pm Fri 28 Mar 08
[quote]Rod Hills...now there's a guy who liked to victimise and bully officers of the council and his own colleagues![/quote]
Ah! Rod Hills! There really should be a book about his legendary bullying. It'd be like "Tom Brown's Schooldays" or something!
However, I'm saying that the bullying isn't due to Galloway, or Hills any more, for that matter. The problem has become that ingrained it is just institutional. Knee-jerk bullying. A Council that is more frightened of bad publicity than bad practice.
Oh, and "Platform9", you know how to reach me if you wish to do so.
Rod Hills...now there's a guy who liked to victimise and bully officers of the council and his own colleagues!
Ah! Rod Hills! There really should be a book about his legendary bullying. It'd be like "Tom Brown's Schooldays" or something!
However, I'm saying that the bullying isn't due to Galloway, or Hills any more, for that matter. The problem has become that ingrained it is just institutional. Knee-jerk bullying. A Council that is more frightened of bad publicity than bad practice.
Oh, and "Platform9", you know how to reach me if you wish to do so.
Posted by: CHRIS YORK BORN&BRED, YORK on 8:37am Sat 29 Mar 08
Just wait until they build the incinerator at tockwith they will be able to blame the fumes from that & sue the owners for millions,What a load of W4nkers they are....Is being in'aptitude classed as an illness,????
Just wait until they build the incinerator at tockwith they will be able to blame the fumes from that & sue the owners for millions,What a load of W4nkers they are....Is being in'aptitude classed as an illness,????
Posted by: TitsMcGee, Selby on 2:14pm Tue 1 Apr 08
I bet Andrew Waller's never had a day off sick, i heard he works christmas day too. God bless his big smile.
I bet Andrew Waller's never had a day off sick, i heard he works christmas day too. God bless his big smile.
Posted by: andy2007, york on 12:29pm Wed 9 Apr 08
Why is stress the usual blame for all public sector illness? dont we get that in the private sector?
Why is stress the usual blame for all public sector illness? dont we get that in the private sector?
What are these links for?
If you liked this article and would like to share it with others on the web who might be searching for good content we've made it easy for you to do it.
At the bottom of all articles, you'll see links to six sites. These sites - commonly called 'social bookmark' or 'social news' sites - have large communities of web users who share and rate interesting, useful and fun things on the web.
Clicking the links will automatically add the address of the story you are reading to one of these sites, letting you share it with others. Each site will ask you to register to share stories. Registration is free and once a member, you can store, recommend and search for stories that interest you.
More on Digg
More on del.icio.us
More on Furl
More on reddit
More on NowPublic/
More on Yahoo!
