EMPLOYEES at Brent Council took the least amount of sick days per person in London last year, according to new figures.

Each member of staff was absent with sickness for an average of 4.14 days – the lowest of the 26 local authorities in the capital that responded to the request made under the Freedom of Information Act.

There has also been a significant improvement in Harrow, where their average has come down from 10.34 days to 7.34 – the 11th best record in London.

Graham Henson, portfolio holder for performance, customer services and corporate services at Harrow council, said: “We have seen a very significant drop in sick leave in recent years resulting in the borough’s sickness rates being one of the lowest in London.

“This record is testament to the dedication of the council’s staff who deserve great credit for their service to the local community. It is also a reflection, I believe, of the supportive and inclusive environment the council has worked hard to build internally.”

According to absence management specialists FirstCare, which obtained the figures, there is still room for improvement, however, as it estimates the cost of absences in London last year exceeded £118million.

A Brent Council spokesman said: “Brent Council is very pleased with the progress which has been made in reducing absence at the local authority. The local authority has made reducing absence a corporate priority to help improve efficiency in the organisation and ensure it is doing all it can to deliver excellent services.”