As a source in County Hall had informed me that many staff employed as direct carers across the East Riding in the ERYC House Community Services Home Care team have been on long-term sick I made a Freedom of Information request to be informed:

1. For each of the past 5 years how many care staff have been off work on sick?
2. For each of the past 5 years how many care staff have been off work on long-term sick?

Response

Over the past two years there has been at least a 50% rise year on year. This suggests the situation is out of control.

Of additional concern is the fact that the vast majority of those providing the “home care” are agency staff and as such the true figure will be a lot higher.

This would explain why ERYC have failing to provide Graham Baverstock with the home care he requires. Put simply they do not have the staff.

Why are so many on long-term sick?