Question to the Ministry of Justice:

To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, what information his Department holds on the number of sick days taken by probation officers in 2023.

The number of working days lost by HMPPS staff by grade is published every quarter in Table 19 of the “HM Prison and Probation Service workforce statistics” publication. The main publication can be accessed via this link: www.gov.uk/government/collections/national-offender-management-service-workforce-statistics. The latest accompanying tables are here: (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/6554ab3750475b000dc5b614/hmpps-workforce-statistics-tables-sep-2023.ods).

HMPPS is focused on reducing its sickness absence rates through the support currently offered to staff and managers, including a comprehensive Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) that provides the workforce with access to confidential support & counselling services. This is in addition to the organisation’s Occupational Health Service that supports staff & management with medical advice, and HMPPS’ multitude of staff networks that are part of HMPPS’ commitment to ensuring our staff feel supported in their roles.

HMPPS are actively reviewing their approach to staff wellbeing to strengthen the wellbeing offer. Managers support employees who are unwell, and are provided HR casework support to appropriately manage employee absence in line with established policies & procedures.