Flintshire Council lost over 33,000 days to sickness last year
During the same period schools within the local authority lost 23,304.95 days to sickness – again with stress the most common reason.
Both figures were worse than 2023/24. Despite this however Flintshire's absence rate last year was one of the five lowest in Wales.
Partially as a result of sickness absence, the authority also reported spending £6.09 million on agency staff – resulting in an agency budget overspend of £4.39m.
Sharon Carney, Senior Manager, People and Organisational Development, told Flintshire's Corporate Resources Overview and Scrutiny Committee that part of the reason absence rates have increased is the challenges employees face accessing mental health support.
'Delays in treatments and appointments ultimately mean that some of our employees are poorly longer than they would be,' she said. 'In some cases the lack of treatment worsens their condition.
'For mental health access to treatment is not often easily reachable in the early stages and that has a negative impact. We try and supplement that with our own offer in terms of training, mindfulness, occupational health and our Employee Assistance Programme but that's not enough in some cases.'
The report also highlighted that Flintshire continues to outperform neighbouring authorities in terms of staff retention – although pressure from the private sector remained a risk.
Last year the council saw 718 full time staff leave, with just over 57% of those – 414 – telling their exit interview they were moving on to another employer or were leaving voluntarily.
'The work is increasing, resources are reducing and we are not as competitive as some of our private sector employers anymore,' added Ms Carney.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Metro
2 days ago
- Metro
Free expert talks, face yoga and astrology at Wild Nutrition's London pop-up!
Metro journalists select and curate the products that feature on our site. If you make a purchase via links on this page we will earn commission – learn more If you're into science-backed supplements, wellness and body confidence you've probably heard of Wild Nutrition. The brand has built a loyal community of +300,000 women looking for smart, nourishing support through all stages of life, from postnatal recovery to perimenopause and beyond. Now, they're bringing their mission to life with the brand's very first London pop-up happening on July 30 and 31 in Notting Hill. And it's shaping up to be a feel-good two-day event packed with movement classes, expert talks, free wellness sessions, and the exclusive launch of a groundbreaking new supplement. WHEN? Wednesday 30th July 2025 – 10am – 8:30pm, and Thursday 31st July 2025 – 9:15am – 6pm WHERE? Wild By Nature Pop-Up Store (230 Portobello Road, London, W11 1LJ) One of the major highlights of the pop-up is the launch of Wild Nutrition's new Weight Management Support supplement, a UK-first botanical formula designed to support metabolism, hormonal balance and energy, while still nourishing the body. Unlike quick-fix injections like Ozempic (which are now used by an estimated 2 million women in the UK and come with a host of side-effects), this science-backed supplement offers a more holistic and sustainable approach. It features Metabolaid®, a clinically proven botanical complex, and is designed for women wanting to support long-term health without compromising their body's needs. To give you a taste of what's on offer at the pop-up event, on Wednesday July 30 from 5:30pm–8:30pm, Wild Nutrition is hosting a powerful and honest conversation about all sides of weight management, from style and confidence to movement, sex, and nutrition. The panel, titled Redefining: Body, Balance and Breakthroughs, will be hosted by writer and podcaster Billie Bhatia, and features an inspiring line-up of voices. Plus, as a bonus, the first 20 people to sign up for the panel will receive a goody bag worth £100, including an early drop of the brand-new Weight Management Support supplement, before it officially goes on sale in August. On Thursday July 31, attendees can expect a full programme of free sessions including a 9:30-10:30am movement session with yoga and breathwork coach Cat Meffan or a 2:00-3:00pm Face yoga session with Luminous Face Yoga. More Trending Sound like your kind of vibe? Whether you're after honest health conversations, want to try something new like face yoga or astrology, or you're just curious about a nourishing alternative to traditional weight-loss trends, Wild Nutrition's pop-up is one to check out. Book your free tickets and see the full line-up over on Eventbrite – but be quick, as spaces are limited and expected to fill fast. Better yet, we've got 20 spots at the exclusive panel event plus a goody bags worth £100 to give-away to Metro readers. Or book in a free 1:1 nutritional consultation here. Follow Metro across our social channels, on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram Share your views in the comments below MORE: Everything you need to know about Korean skincare brand Anua – including our favourite buys MORE: I tried Molly-Mae Hague's holiday makeup routine – and I'm never going back MORE: Bella Hadid reveals 'secret' beauty travel hack – it's none other than this £9.50 skin cream Your free newsletter guide to the best London has on offer, from drinks deals to restaurant reviews.
The Independent
3 days ago
- The Independent
Shop-bought health tests not always fit for purpose, researchers warn
Off-the-shelf health tests for issues such as high cholesterol, vitamin deficiency, fertility and prostate problems may not be fit for purpose, researchers have warned. A team from the University of Birmingham examined tests that people can buy in UK supermarkets, pharmacies and shops and which they then use at home. They found the tests risked giving people the wrong result, could delay diagnosis, and most of them recommended follow-up with a doctor anyway, regardless of the result. The researchers called for much tighter regulation of the sector, adding the NHS may face additional demand after people self-test. They said: 'In the absence of guidance from healthcare professionals, individuals might use tests inappropriately or without a clear understanding of the implications of the results. 'False positive test results can lead to unnecessary anxiety, increased healthcare usage, and additional costs, whereas false negative test results may delay appropriate treatment or engagement with… screening programmes. 'Test errors can stem from inherent limitations in the accuracy of the test, as well as user-related issues such as sampling errors, incorrect processing, and difficulties in interpreting the results.' However, the team said that in the future, home tests could have great potential for patient care. The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA), which regulates medical products, said it would look at the findings. Professor Jon Deeks, from the University of Birmingham, said: 'A plethora of new health self-tests have emerged in recent years and are available to buy from many high street supermarkets and pharmacies in the UK. 'While these kits have been approved for sale, they are not subject to the same stringent regulations as pharmaceutical products. 'Our recent research raises concerns about the suitability, accuracy and usability of many of the self-testing products available that require users to sample, test and interpret results themselves. 'In some cases, it is unclear how accuracy claims are supported, and there is no requirement of manufacturers to share the evidence behind these claims.' Prof Deeks said the UK is looking at a 'new world' when it comes to self-testing, but there is more work to do to show claims made were robust. He said much of the literature contained with tests was 'not easy to understand', while some of the results could lead to a 'wrong diagnosis'. In one example, he said the self-tests for prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels, a marker of prostate health, were fixed at a certain concentration level. However, 'if you're age 70 you need to have your PSA done at a very different level to when you're 20', he said. Self-testing is becoming increasingly popular, and the UK market for self-tests is expected to reach £660 million by 2030. Overall, 30 self-tests costing £1.89 to £39.99 were included in the study, published in the British Medical Journal (BMJ). The tests covered 19 different conditions, including vitamin deficiency, blood sugar levels, cholesterol, thyroid function, prostate health, HIV, menopause and bowel cancer. Researchers said only eight of the 30 tests provided information about who should or should not use the test, while four specified the presence of symptoms. External packaging on fewer than half of the tests (14) included any statement about their accuracy. Meanwhile, 90% of the tests recommended follow-up with a healthcare professional if test results were positive or abnormal, while 47% recommended this if test results was negative. Accuracy claims were made for 24 of the tests, including in pamphlets, and most (58%) claimed a performance of at least 98% accuracy, sensitivity or specificity. However, the researchers said evidence supporting accuracy claims were largely unavailable or did not provide sufficient information for people likely to purchase the tests. Prof Deeks said: 'Current regulations for the use of self-testing kits in a commercial setting are not adequately protecting consumers. 'Several of the self-test manufacturers refused to provide us with reports of their studies, which support their claims, stating that they were 'commercially confidential'. 'Legally, they do not need to share this information. However, for all matters of our health, it really is important that the evidence upon which health decisions are made is available and can be scrutinised.' Dr Clare Davenport, clinical associate professor at the University of Birmingham, said: 'The wide range of off-the-shelf tests now available to the public are not endorsed by the NHS and evidence for their benefit is lacking. 'This is in contrast to well-established self-tests, such as pregnancy tests. 'We are worried that consumers concerned about their health and tempted by the convenience of buying a test over the counter may be harmed if they use these tests in the wrong way.' Dr Davenport said the recommendation that people see a doctor anyway regardless of the result 'begs the question 'what's the point of doing the test in the first place?''. Sue Davies, Which? head of consumer rights and food policy, said: ' Consumers should be careful with self-tests – they can be expensive, tricky to interpret and don't always come with an expert consultation to help you understand your results. 'It's also likely you'll need to follow up with your GP, so we'd always recommend involving them from the start if you have any particular health concerns. 'Most tests you'll need will be available for free on the NHS and your GP will also be able to speak to you about how you're feeling and spot any symptoms that might not show up on a test.' While clinical trials and medicines must go through the MHRA, self-test devices are subject to checks by notified bodies. A spokesman for Suresign, which provides three of the self-tests studied, said: 'We find this blanket condemnation of a small range of home tests available to be unreasonable and unprofessional, since they admit they are content with many of those examined. 'This is not a clinical approach to a highly scientific subject. 'They also did not confirm that the clinical studies related to our tests were supplied to them, as confirmed to us by the BMJ. 'Our detailed responses to their questions were not fully reflected in their article. 'They have implicitly criticised the professionalism of notified bodies appointed by the MHRA, when we find them to be very exacting in their audits. 'We are content our tests give the public access to healthcare screening not easily available with the NHS at the present time.' Joseph Burt, MHRA head of diagnostics and general medical devices, said it would review the evidence and 'consider all allegations about device deficiencies'. He added: 'We have strengthened post-market surveillance powers to monitor and act on concerns. 'These require manufacturers to actively monitor their products and report significant incidents to us, including for CE-marked self-tests. 'We're overhauling the medical device regulations to further strengthen standards for safety, usability and clinical performance and we're exploring new transparency measures such as requiring published summaries of clinical evidence. 'In the meantime, we strongly encourage anyone using a self-test to check for a CE or UKCA mark, read the instructions carefully, and seek medical advice if they're unsure about their result.'
Daily Mail
3 days ago
- Daily Mail
Contraception used by thousands increases risk of brain tumour, study finds
Women on a widely–used contraceptive jab are three–and–a–half times more likely to suffer a potentially–fatal brain tumour, a study shows. It's the third major investigation in just over a year to show the jab raises the risk of a meningioma, the most common type of tumour in the brain, in those on it for 12 months or more. Around 10,000 prescriptions a month are issued for medroxyprogesterone acetate— sold under the brand name Depo Provera—in England alone. Hundreds of women in the UK are now reported to be considering legal action against the manufacturer Pfizer, for not warning them of the risks. A class action is already underway against Pfizer and other generic manufacturers of the jab in the US, where more than 500 women allege the companies were aware of the link but failed to adequately warn users of the risks or promote safer alternatives. The drug is a hormone injection give every three months and works by preventing eggs from being released by a woman's ovaries. It was first licensed for use on the NHS as a contraceptive over 40 years ago. But a 2024 study in the British Medical Journal of more than 18,000 women, by a team of scientists from the French National Agency for Medicines and Health Products Safety, concluded those who stayed on it for at least a year were up to five times more at risk of a meningioma. The jab is administered every three months in a doctor's surgery or sexual health clinic A second probe in September last year, by researchers at the University of Alabama in the US, produced similar results. Although non–cancerous, the condition can cause blurred vision, headaches, hearing loss, poor sense of smell and problems with swallowing. Tumours are normally slow–growing but can kill by compressing the brain and nerves if they grow too big. Between 2,000 and 3,000 people a year in the UK are diagnosed with a meningioma and it's more common in women. In the latest study, scientists at the University of British Columbia in Vancouver, Canada, compared meningioma rates in 72,181 women on the jab with more than 247,000 women on oral contraception. The results, in the journal Expert Opinion on Drug Safety, showed the risks were more than trebled in long–term users of the jab. Researcher Dr Mahyar Etminan said the dangers did not appear to increase the more years women spent on the drug. But he added: 'I do believe the evidence is now robust, with three large studies showing pretty much the same thing. 'Women concerned about this risk may want to consider opting for alternative contraceptives.' It's not clear why the jab triggers tumour growth. One theory is the synthetic hormone it uses – progestogen – binds to meningioma cells and helps them grow. Some research suggests certain versions of the Pill made with progestogen can also heighten the risk of meningioma but only in a small proportion of women who take it for more than five years. The UK drug safety watchdog—the Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency—last October called on Pfizer to include a warning about the heightened risk in patient information leaflets. Pfizer also wrote to NHS doctors urging them to immediately stop women from using Depo Provera if they were diagnosed with a meningioma. Virginia Buchanan, partner at Levin Papantonio—the law firm handling the case in the US—said: 'This new study reinforces the need for legal action against Pfizer, with the hope of bringing justice for the women who have never been warned about the increased risk of developing a brain tumour from using Depo–Provera and who have gone on to develop meningiomas.'
