Council fires staff after taking 248 years worth of sick days in one year

Dudley Council has come under fire today as it emerged that employees had taken a total of 248 years’ worth of sick days during the past 12 months.

New figure have revealed that absences due to illness have risen to an average of two working weeks every year per staff member. Reports have emerged that certain employees have been fired for repeatedly “pulling a sickie”, however the council were quick to remind the general public that this was a last resort after all other options had failed.

Judy Foster, Councillor and Cabinet Member for Corporate and Customer Services, remarked that this issue did not and will not have an effect on the service the council provides. She said: “Our staff work very hard and frequently go above and beyond the call of duty to give the best possible service to the public.

“It is the mark of a good employer that we provide support for staff when they need it through sickness or other pressures which may impact on their work. However, in a small number of cases, and as a last resort we have had to end contracts where all other options have been explored and exhausted.