Written question asked by David Simpson (Democratic Unionist Party) on Wednesday, 3 February 2010, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Friday, 5 February 2010. It was answered by Vera Baird (Labour) on Tuesday, 16 March 2010 on behalf of the Solicitor General.

Departmental Sick Leave

Question: To ask the Solicitor-General how many staff in the Law Officers' Departments have had five or more periods of sickness absence of less than five days in two or more of the last three years.

Answer: The information requested is as follows:Crown Prosecution Service and Revenue and Customs Prosecution OfficeThe number of staff who have had five or more periods of sickness absence of less than five days in two or more of the last three years is 131.The Serious Fraud OfficeIn the last 12 months 19 staff had five or more short term absences. The most recent available data before this (2006-07) can be found at the following link:"http://www.civilservice.gov.uk/Assets/Sickness_Absence_2006to2007_tcm6-3302.pdf"Treasury Solicitors, Attorney-General's Office and HM Crown Prosecution Inspection ServicesOver the three years 2007-09 there have been 27 people who meet the criteria above. This represents less than 3 per cent. of the total workforce.The National Fraud AuthorityThe NFA was launched in 2008-09 and no members of staff are recorded as having had five or more periods of sickness absence of less than five days during this period.

Secondary information