The information sought by the Deputy in relation to sick leave for the years 2011 to 2015 is set out in the table below. Uncertified sick leave is now classed/referred to as self-certified sick leave.
Year
|
Percentage of working days lost due to certified sick leave
|
Percentage of working days lost due to uncertified sick leave
|
|
|
|
2011
|
3.65%
|
0.36%
|
2012
|
4.01%
|
0.31%
|
2013
|
3.55%
|
0.27%
|
2014
|
3.9%
|
0.28%
|
2015
|
3.56%
|
0.27%
|
Since the introduction of the Public Service Sick Leave Scheme in March 2014, the Department has experienced a reduction in the total cost of sick leave incurred by staff of the Department and also a reduction in the percentage of working days lost due to certified and self-certified sick leave. The rationale for the Scheme is to provide support to public servants who become ill while at the same time reducing the overall cost of sick leave in the public service and reducing absenteeism.