Glasgow City Council sickness absence levels more than quadruple

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 22 Oct, 17:33 · Archive

Sickness absence at Glasgow City Council rose to 11.1 days per year by September 2026, more than four times the previous year's 2.4 days.

Sickness absence at Glasgow City Council has risen sharply, exceeding the council's five-day annual target. By September 2026, staff absences had climbed to 11.1 days per year from 2.4 days in September 2025, a more than fourfold increase.

The figures emerged from an internal audit mid-year report presented to the finance and scrutiny committee on Wednesday. The report showed that whilst the council had achieved a net increase in qualified staff compared to the previous year, through recruitment and progression of council trainees, sickness levels were 'higher than expected'.

Bailie Jim Kavanagh raised concerns during the committee meeting, calling the absence levels 'nothing short of shocking'. He said some departments had sickness rates at 24 per cent and highlighted the cost of bringing in temporary and short-term workers as a result. A council officer confirmed that the local authority undertakes regular absence management work to ensure services perform appropriate checks when staff are off sick.

How it is being reported

• Absence level across council workforce 'nothing short of shocking', councillor saysThe level of staff absences across Glasgow City Council’s workforce is “nothing short of shocking” according to a local councillor.The Herald · 22 Oct, 17:02
• Glasgow City Council's staff absence levels 'nothing short of shocking'The report also highlights that sickness absence is higher than expected and exceeded the council’s target of five days per year.Glasgow Live · 22 Oct, 16:36

In this story: Glasgow City Council · Jim Kavanagh · Glasgow

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