THE district council looks set to back down over plans to reform sick pay despite missing its target for staff absence once again.

Figures released by Epping Forest District Council show in 2009/10 staff took an average of 8.35 sick days - missing the target of eight days, although an improvement on the previous figure of 10.85 days.

The council's plan to reduce the number of sick days had included a measure to review sick pay entitlement but it looks set to go back on that move after its Finance and Performance Management Scrutiny Panel determined it would lead to difficult arguments with unions.

The report states: “The panel concluded that the trade union negotiations and contractual issues would be a lengthy and fairly complex process and it would be more practical to see if a review of the sickness entitlements is undertaken as part of national negotiations.”

According to the latest figures the biggest cause of sick leave at the council in 2009/10 was infections, which accounted for 805 sick days.

Depression accounted for 624 sick days and stress 597 days.

The final decision on the approach to reducing sick leave will be taken at the council's cabinet next Monday, October 25, at 7pm at the Civic Offices, in Epping High Street.