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<p>We can confirm we have searched our records and can provide the information below.
This information covers the period 1 April 2018 – 31 March 2019. We do not hold data
relating specifically to stress as a separate category of sick leave absence. Instead
we have provided data relating to all mental health absences. This category includes
psychological illnesses such as stress, depression, anxiety and any other mental health
condition.</p><p> </p><table><tbody><tr><td><p><strong>How many and what proportion
of officials in his Department took sick leave for reasons relating to mental health
in the last 12 months</strong></p></td><td><p><strong>109 members of staff 2.25% of
total staff headcount</strong></p></td></tr><tr><td><p><strong>What proportion that
leave was of total sick leave taken in his Department</strong></p></td><td><p><strong>Absences
relating to mental health made up 34.9% of all sickness absences</strong></p></td></tr><tr><td><p><strong>What
the cost was to his Department of officials taking sick leave over that period</strong></p></td><td><p><strong>Total
cost of mental health sickness is £427,559.55</strong></p></td></tr></tbody></table><p>
</p><p>The proportion of officials taking sick leave for reasons relating to mental
health has remained constant at around 2% for the last five years.</p><p> </p><p>We
have various services and support mechanisms in place to support employee mental health.
For example we have an internal employee led mental health ‘buddy’ network, and employees
have access to an external provider Employee Assistance Programme, and Occupational
Health Service. We also have a process in place for notifying and managing work related
stress.</p>
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