00:01Dudley Council staff are taking more time off sick, with mental health issues the leading
00:05cause of absence. New figures show sickness days per employee have risen as staff numbers
00:11have fallen. Mental health, anxiety and work-related stress accounted for more than 11,000 lost
00:18working days.
00:20Councillors questioned officers about the figures at a scrutiny meeting. The council's
00:25chief executive said pressures include caring responsibilities and challenges that lie outside
00:30of work. She said support measures are in place, including use of technology and automation.
00:36The authority says its finances are stabilising, allowing investment in staff wellbeing and signs
00:42suggest sickness trends improve.
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