Sickness absence rates among West Lothian Council staff are causing concern as they continue to rise steadily. The latest data revealed nearly 20,000 days were lost between April and September due to mental health and behavioural issues alone. This figure is more than double the next highest category of musculoskeletal absences, which totalled 9,948 days. Mental health-related absences accounted for almost a third of all staff absences during this period in 2024.
The significant number of lost days prompted the council’s Conservative group leader to question the need for change in the council’s approach to tackling this issue. During a meeting of West Lothian’s Corporate Policy and Resources Policy Development and Scrutiny Panel (PDSP), Interim HR Services Manager Claire Wallace acknowledged the national trend of rising sickness absence rates and highlighted ongoing efforts to address the issue.
Ms Wallace outlined various measures being taken at both corporate and service levels to support staff well-being, including the provision of an employee assistance programme and the review of the sickness absence policy. The council has also introduced flexible working arrangements to assist employees with caring responsibilities and is implementing a stress audit tool to help manage stress levels across council services.
Noteworthy statistics from the breakdown of mental and behavioural absences include personal stress (8,457 days lost), work-related stress (3,265 days lost), anxiety (3,921 days lost), depression (630 days lost), self-harm (183 days lost), panic attacks (150 days lost), and alcoholism (132 days lost). Councillor Damian Doran-Timson expressed concerns about the continuous increase in sickness absence rates and called for the council to take decisive action to address the root causes of these absences.
Council leader Councillor Lawrence Fitzpatrick reiterated the council’s commitment to revising policies and fostering effective working relationships to support staff well-being. The council aims to reduce sickness absence rates significantly while enhancing support mechanisms to promote employee health and productivity.
In conclusion, the rising trend of sickness absence rates among West Lothian Council staff underscores the importance of prioritising mental health and well-being in the workplace. By implementing proactive measures and support systems, the council can create a healthier and more productive work environment for its employees, ultimately benefiting both staff members and the community they serve.