Police keep sickness absence low

The force is in the top three of the 43 forces in England and Wales for low sickness absence, with only 2.2 per cent of officers and 2.1 per cent of staff being off duty through illness between 2009/10.

It has just won a national award for its approach to absence management, but has been criticised in a report to force watchdog Humberside Police Authority for the way it records some illnesses.

A report going before the human resources committee on Tuesday shows the four main reasons for sickness absence over the last year were musculoskeletal disorders, digestive disorders, respiratory disorders and "miscellaneous".

The report, by Chief Constable Tim Hollis, takes issue with the logging of absences under the category miscellaneous, which is on the increase among police staff. It said: "It is really unacceptable that the reason for absence for so many people is unknown "miscellaneous", and especially when this reason for sickness absence is the third highest."

The number of officers off work in this category has fallen slightly from just over 15 a month in April 2008 to 14 a month in March this year.

More staff are being reported off duty for "miscellaneous" reasons, however, up to 18 a month in March this year from 15 a month in April 2008.

The report, an annual review of occupational health, welfare and safety in the force, also shows that three employees – it does not say whether officers or staff – failed drugs tests.

The three were among a group of 10 tested because there were suspicions they may have taken drugs.

There have been no other positive drugs tests in the force since tests began in June 2007.

A total of 1,042 tests have been carried out as a pre-entry requirement, and a further 138 at random.

There has been a marked increase in the number of management referrals to occupational health in the force, with 977 in 2009/10, up 11 per cent on the previous period and the second consecutive rise.

The force also carries out proactive health surveillance screening for officers in "high risk" roles, including divers, roads police, firearms officers and those in the operational support section, which includes the police helicopter crew.

Of the 468 officers screened given Risk Assessment Based Medical Examinations, one of the most significant problems identified was high blood pressure, which was found in 10 per cent of those tested.

Other efforts to improve and maintain the health of employees include a health promotion calendar, a healthy hearts campaign, smoking cessation workshops and the availability of chlamydia testing kits in all police toilets.

The Employee Benefits award for absence management was presented in a ceremony at the Hilton hotel in London.

Ian Watson, Assistant Chief Officer (Human Resources) at Humberside Police, said: "I'm delighted with the award. It is a reflection of all the hard work of central and local Human Resources Department staff supporting a critical area of service within the force."

He said Humberside Police ensured people got value for money "by minimising unnecessary absences from police officers and staff who work tirelessly to provide critical policing services within the local communities we serve."