VACANCIES are being deliberately unfilled at Dorset Council while it continues to re-structure the organisation.

The policy has been criticised by some councillors who claim the tactic, while it might save money, increases stress among the remaining staff, leading to a rise in sickness levels.

Cabinet member for staff matters, Cllr Peter Wharf, says the decision to hold vacancy levels at 10 per cent, is because it makes little sense to advertise positions which may, or may not, need to be filled in the weeks, or months, to come.

“It would be bonkers to try and fill all vacancies when we are about to restructure,” he said.

He told the council’s audit and governance committee on Thursday that in addition to the 10 per cent of vacancies being held the council was actively trying to fill another 3 per cent of posts, which it considers vital to deliver key services.

Cllrs David Gray and Richard Biggs both said they were concerned about what they described as the high levels of long-term sickness, which they claim points to high levels of staff stress. Cllr Gray said over 60 per cent of sickness in children’s services was long-term, a much higher figure than might be expected. Overall sickness levels in the department have increased from an average of 8.2 days in March to 10.1 per person in September.

Cllr Biggs said that, in his experience, high sickness levels generally related to over-work and staff being over-loaded with too many cases, or too many complex, cases.

Cllr Gray said he expected the social services children’s services sickness figures would rise again as the re-structuring operation continues. A similar warning has been given by the council itself. The close of consultation is on November 22, with job interviews expected to take place in the New Year.

The council’s overall average sick days per year now stands at just over 9 days for each employee although in some departments, notably children’s social services and adults and housing figures are higher. The figures are higher than the national local government average.

In total the council now has 4,669 posts full and part-time, equivalent to 3,665 full-time equivalents.