THE number of work days lost to short-term illness in the housing and employability department has dropped significantly.

New figures for the first quarter of the 2017 financial year show short-term absences have fallen from 53 per cent to 23.41 per cent in just a year.

But it means three quarters of absence in housing is now due to long-term illness.

The housing and communities committee heard last week they have worked hard with staff to reduce days lost because of minor illness. They said there was little that could be done about long-term absences and couldn't go into much detail in an open committee because it might expose details of individual employees.

Richard Cairns, strategic director of regeneration, environment and growth, told councillors the long-term figures meant overall statistics for the council were not improving. He said there was no quick fix.

Mr Cairns said: "I spent virtually all day on Friday at building sites. Every single person had taken advantage of occupational health and as a result, were back to work.

"None of the people I spoke to cited [being overworked] - I'm not aware of any case of such a recurring problem."

Another council officer said the housing department's attendance had been the "worst on record" and they had made efforts to get that back on track.

Housing work can include lengthy shifts at 45-degree angles but workers rotate and the council does all it can to support staff.

Mr Cairns added: "The majority of long-term absence are down to outside health. Very few are as a result of work."