It is inevitable that such a level of absence from work has far-reaching effects on the local economy

Liam McBrinn

Nigel Smyth, director of the CBI in Northern Ireland, said absenteeism was draining the public purse of �250m every year.

He believes �50m of that could easily be saved if more was done to improve workplace morale.

Liam McBrinn of the Health and Safety Executive for Northern Ireland said 50,000 people were absent from work each year suffering from work-related ill-health.

"In addition to the enormous personal suffering that must lie behind this statistic, it is inevitable that such a level of absence from work has far-reaching effects on the local economy," he said.

"Latest estimates indicate that it could be costing somewhere in the region of �300m."

Partnership

More than �250m is lost annually

The Health and Safety Executive has established an occupational health forum for Northern Ireland.

"Work can make significant contributions both good and bad to people's health,'' said Mr McBrinn.

"Partnership is the key to ensuring that the issues surrounding occupational health are tackled positively so that the benefits of healthier workplaces are maximised for all."

Willie Carville of the teachers' union, the NASUWT, said about 170,000 working days were lost through illness in schools each year.

Mr Carville said more teachers were now getting out of the profession early than ever before.

He said a change for the worse had taken place in society's attitude to teaching.

Patten report

However, while levels of absenteeism in teaching are bad, those in the Royal Ulster Constabulary are even worse.

Currently more than two-and-a-half times the UK average, sick leave in the police has risen dramatically since the Patten Report and moves to reform the force.

The average officer now takes more than 20 days off a year.

It is something that is causing grave concern within the Police Authority for Northern Ireland.

Authority chairman Pat Armstrong said current attendance levels could not be tolerated - even in a climate of diminishing morale.

One of the ways RUC Chief Constable Sir Ronnie Flanagan plans to tackle poor attendance is to block promotion for officers with a bad record.

This has reportedly caused some resentment within the rank and file but Pat Armstrong said their opposition was not shared by the general public and he wanted the pressure kept up.