ARGYLL and Bute Council is set to spend £90,000 a year in a bid to cut down on sick days among its staff.

The authority’s policy and resources committee discussed the planned strategy, which it is estimated will cost almost £90,000 per year, at a meeting on Thursday.

The proposed scheme would also involve the employment of two new staff under the job title of wellbeing and attendance assistant.

In May, it was revealed that the average number of sick days from January to March was more than double the target, 3.78 days being taken against a goal of 1.88.

READ MORE: Council departments missing sickness absence targets

It was then established at that month’s meeting of the policy and resources committee that stress-related absence was increasing.

A report for today’s meeting of the same committee shows that the number has decreased but is still more than the target, now registering at 3.39 days.

The document states: “Wellbeing at work is fast becoming the most talked about workforce issue for organisations in all sectors.

“We know that when staff are feeling at their best they will bring their best selves to work and provide the greatest productivity in their roles.

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“A reduction of around 10 per cent in work days lost would bring the council’s performance into line with the national average.

"This would release the equivalent of around £370,000 in productivity.”

The report also detailed how the council, along with Argyll and Bute Health and Social Care Partnership, conducted a survey among staff last year on where wellbeing care could be improved.

It added: “People are the council’s most valuable asset and ultimately determine the quality of the services we are able to provide.

“If our people are off work, or at work but not feeling well enough to perform at their best, the quality of the service we can provide will in turn be affected.

READ MORE: Stress driving rise in sickness absence at Argyll and Bute Council

“Pursuing a wellbeing strategy will reduce absence, improve productivity and highlight our commitment to wellbeing.”

Under the proposed strategy, two wellbeing and attendance assistants would be appointed by the council. They would be temporarily funded for two years with an analysis of their impact after two months.

An annual ‘wellbeing event’ is also proposed, with staff being invited to suggest costed and evidence-based ideas for improving wellbeing.

The total cost of the proposals is estimated £89,848 per annum, funded from existing resources.