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<p>In 2015-16, 1,405 band 3-5 prison officers took sickness absence due to mental
and behavioural disorders. In accordance with the Data Protection Act, figures on
the length of each sickness absence cannot be published.</p><p> </p><p>NOMS is committed
to providing safe, decent and secure places of work and takes the health, safety and
wellbeing of its employees extremely seriously. The Ministry of Justice is investing
an extra £100m annually to boost the frontline by 2,500 officers.</p><p> </p><p>NOMS
also recognises that the physical, emotional and social wellbeing of employees is
paramount to attracting and retaining staff that will build a strong and capable organisation.
All NOMS staff have access to an occupational health service and employee assistance
programme. This includes 24 hour, 365 days a year access to signposting and counselling;
trauma support services; a wide ranging health promotion website and personal wellbeing
zone.</p><p> </p><p>In addition, counselling is available to staff who have experienced
trauma. Fast track referrals to see an occupational health nurse are encouraged for
staff who have experienced trauma and, where staff are absent as a result of a mental
and behavioural disorder, an immediate referral to occupational health is recommended.</p>
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