Council employees across Northern Ireland missed a staggering 130,849 days at work through sick leave last year, costing ratepayers £16.4m.

The total for 2007/08 worked out at an average of 13.7 days for every full-time employee.

Stress and associated problems were the most common cause of absenteeism.

The figures are contained in a report published today by Chief Local Government Auditor John Buchanan, from the watchdog Northern Ireland Audit Office.

He also gave a breakdown for each of the 26 councils, with Larne having the highest sick leave rate and Magherafelt the lowest.

The statistics for individual councils were calculated over the period 2005 to 2008.

Staff in the Magherafelt council area had an annual average absenteeism rate of 8.19 days per employee over the three years.

“Average annual absenteeism rates for five councils were more than double the rate recorded in Magherafelt District Council for the 2005/08 period,” the report said.

“These were Larne Borough Council (19.54 days), Carrickfergus Borough Council (18.99 days), Derry City Council (17.89 days), Moyle District Council (16.85 days) and Craigavon (16.71 days).”

Mr Buchanan's report also stated: “The 2007/08 absenteeism rate in Northern Ireland councils is more than 40% higher than the 2006/07 rate recorded for England and Wales local authorities.

“Had the Northern Ireland rate been similar to this latest available rate for England and Wales local authorities, the gain in productivity would have been £4.9 million.”

The 13.7 days overall average for 2007/08 was slightly below the previous year's figure of 13.82 days. However, with total staff costs rising, the estimated bill for sick-leave climbed from £15.5m to £16.4m.

The missed days last year involved 63% of council employees, the report showed.

“Across Northern Ireland councils, 37% of full-time equivalent employees (over 3,500) had no absence during 2007/08,” it said.

The related problems of stress, depression, mental health and fatigue were identified as the largest cause — responsible, on average, for almost one quarter of total days lost.

“In Ballymoney Borough Council, 40% of total days lost due to absenteeism was caused by stress, depression, mental health and fatigue,” the report stated.

Twenty of the 26 Northern Ireland councils have set absenteeism reduction targets.

A spokesperson for Larne Borough Council last night said: “Since 2006, the management of sickness absence has been overhauled. The Council recognises that current performance, while showing a steady improvement, still falls short of an acceptable level of absenteeism. The current strategy will continue to be implemented rigorously.”