The number of stress-related staff absences at Pembrokeshire County Council has increased three years in a row.
Following a Freedom of Information request, it was revealed stress-related absences rose from 441 in 2021/2022 to 493 to 2022/2023 to 543 in 2023/2024.
Meanwhile, because of sick leave, there was a full-time equivalent day’s loss of 49946 in 2021/2022, 50000 in 2022/2023 and 43919 in 2023/2024.
A spokesperson for Pembrokeshire County Council responded: “In 2024 21.65% of all sickness absence was related to mental health, this incorporates both personal and work-related issues, whereas in 2023 it was 23.66%, an actual reduction of 2% year on year.
“We have an overall 4.55% absence rate which corresponds to an average of 10 days per employee, this is lower than most other local Authorities in Wales.
“Seventy-one per cent of all employee referrals to Occupational Health are for personal related issues, this covers issues such as personal bereavement, relationship breakdowns or other stresses at home.
“In 21-22 mental health referrals to OH were 49%, by 23-24 they had dropped to 38%; an 11% drop overall in mental health referrals.”
Despite the number of absences from mental health rising, Pembrokeshire County Council claim the actual amount of time taken off is less which has led to less full-time equivalent days lost than previous years.
This means that Council employees are recovering and returning to work quicker.
The spokesperson continued: “We have viewed the decrease in mental health absence as a positive move and a sign of success of our Mental Health strategy and the proactive approach we are taking as an authority to reduce the stigma of mental health.
“This has meant that employees are now coming forward earlier and requesting preventative measures, such as talking therapy and working through stress risk assessments as per the HSE guidelines.
“The Council is proud to be a Time to Change pledged employer and have showcased our work on a number of occasions to other employers as an example of good practice.
“We are also finding that GP’s are recommending that work is a positive in terms of wellbeing and are supporting us in keeping our staff in work with the appropriate support measures in place.”
Pembrokeshire County Council has worked in partnership with Trade Unions and the Wales Union Learning Fund (WULF) to support the culture shift which aims to promote a more inclusive and positive work environment for staff.
The council also has a programme of mental health awareness training for managers and over 100 mental health champions in their workforce to signpost staff to various support measures.