Recent data reveals a significant rise in sickness absence among West Mercia Police staff, primarily driven by stress-related issues.
- Sickness days have surged from 25,000 in 2010 to nearly 40,000 in 2014, marking a 60% increase.
- Stress, depression, and other mental health issues have more than doubled, exacerbating workloads for remaining staff.
- The force acknowledges the trend, implementing measures to support officer welfare and manage absences effectively.
- Calls for further research into stress-related absences highlight concerns over future service impact.
In a disturbing trend, West Mercia Police has reported a substantial increase in sickness absences among its workforce over the past five years. Sickness days have risen from 25,000 in 2010 to almost 40,000 in 2014, a 60% increase, demonstrating significant concerns about officer well-being.
Stress-related absences, including those from depression and anxiety, have more than doubled since 2010. This stark rise is attributed to the challenging and demanding nature of police work, compounded by recent austerity measures that have resulted in increased workloads for those who remain on duty.
The force has recognised this worrying trend and is taking steps to address the welfare of its officers and staff. A spokesman affirmed the implementation of various support mechanisms, such as an attendance management group and new training for line managers, aimed at tackling absenteeism. These efforts include a comprehensive action plan introduced in the previous year.
Russ Yeomans, chairman-elect of the West Mercia Police Federation, expressed concern about the data, emphasizing the need for further investigation. He warned that ongoing increases in stress-induced absences could potentially affect the quality of public service delivered by the force.
Adrian Lewis, Commercial Director of Activ Absence, highlighted that this report is the second in quick succession to spotlight heightened sickness levels within emergency services. He noted that while there has been success in reducing sickness in certain NHS divisions, the overarching pressure on these teams remains a critical issue.
Addressing the rise in sickness absence is crucial for maintaining the efficacy and well-being of West Mercia Police staff.
