EFFORTS to cut absenteeism among social services staff have reaped rewards.

Concern at the high levels of sickness at Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council prompted Councillor John Simms, lead member for human resources, to investigate it further.

In a report discussed by the council executive he said it was understandable why sickness levels were so high.

"Health and safety issues such as back strains are common. Violence, or threats of it, are also common in certain areas.

"When the national average for absenteeism is below five per cent in other areas of local government the figure for social services is more than six per cent."

In the first quarter of last year absenteeism stood at an average of 21 days per employee over the year, but Coun Simms took action by giving responsibility for controlling absenteeism to senior managemers, rather than middle management and by working in partnership with trade unions.

A strategy was developed which looked at the causes of absenteeism, such as health and safety issues, bullying and rehabilitation, and getting people back to work even if it was not to do their normal job and capability, through staff training.

The strategy appears to have worked as the figure was reduced by more than 29 per cent by the end of last year.

Coun Simms told the meeting: "Maximum publicity should be given to the people in social services who have made these improvements and they must have our congratulations."