Traffic warden sickness

Report: 7
Date: 19 April 2001
By: Commissioner

Summary

This report provides a summary of the current initiatives being undertaken to tackle Traffic Warden sickness.

A. Recommendation

That Authority members note the contents of this report.

B. Supporting information

Background information

1. Sickness absence for traffic wardens has historically been high. The most recent statistics available show that an average 21.67 working days per traffic warden are lost each year (ref. Personnel Department Monthly Management Report - February 2001).

2. The MPS recognises that this is unacceptably high and the Directorate of Occupational Health is working alongside Traffic Warden management to tackle the problem.

Tackling sickness absence initiatives

3. The following initiatives have been undertaken to reduce traffic warden sickness:

• in January 2001, OH realigned service provision to be in line with the new MPS structure and as such, Occupational Health Advisors from the South Occupational Health Team are now responsible for covering the Traffic Warden Service throughout the MPS. This ensures a co-ordinated and focused service delivery;
• all traffic wardens currently on recuperative duties or long term sickness absence (over 28 days) were reviewed at the end of February by Occupational Health and the Superintendent responsible for traffic wardens. An individual action plan was established for each case, with timescales and review dates;
• every case will be reviewed at the end of April to ensure the actions have taken place and progress is made where possible to return the individuals to work. After that further review dates will be set as necessary.

Arising issues

4. Work is being undertaken to streamline the decision making process in determining the prognosis of an individual on long term sick absence and the appropriate management action.

5. In cases where traffic wardens are no longer able to carry out the full duties of the grade due to illness or injury, a process is being established to facilitate regrading to grade 12 (for those wardens who are eligible). There are a number of posts available at this level, to which traffic wardens could transfer, given the appropriate support and training, including administrative officer and communications officer. By making reasonable adjustments to enable traffic wardens to continue in employment, the MPS will demonstrate its commitment to the Disability Discrimination Act.

6. A further progress report will be provided in three months.

C. Financial implications

None.

D. Background Papers

• Personnel Department Monthly Management Report - February 2001

E. Contact details

The author of this report is Linda Van den Hende, Occupational Health Business Director.

For information contact:

MPA general: 020 7202 0202
Media enquiries: 020 7202 0217/18

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