A NEW system for monitoring high levels of sickness among Redditch Council workers is to be introduced to combat the problem, writes Becky Procter.

The monitoring system is to be revamped and reasons why people take time off sick investigated.

Corporate services committee chairman Councillor Mark Shurmer said there were high levels of sickness from stress among clerical workers at the town hall.

Mr Shurmer said he hoped the move would see a reduction in the number of people off sick.

The restructuring of the council has also been blamed for the high levels of sickness with stress.

But Mr Shurmer said the council had stabilised since figures showed an average of 12.5 days per employee were taken off sick between the end of March last year and April this year.