There has been a major rise in the level of sickness among Angus Council employees.
There was a 13% increase in the percentage of working days lost between July and September, compared to the same quarter in 2013, according to a new report.
Teachers on long-term sickness has been highlighted as one of the main causes of the rise, which was described as “abrupt”.
A total of 9770 working days were lost in the period, costing the council £715,000, with stress one of the most common causes for illness.
A spokesman for Unison said more work pressures and falling standard of living among council employees was the reason for more sickness.
He said: “Demand for services is increasing at the same time as many council areas have seen a drop in staff.
“Allied to that there have been year-on-year drops in living standard as pay has failed to keep up with inflation.
“Those who are wondering why this situation might contribute to making people ill need to pay a bit more attention.”
The report will be discussed by the council’s scrutiny and audit committee on Tuesday.
Committee convener Councillor Bob Spink described the figures as “disappointing” after 15 months of the rate falling.
However, he claimed the majority of absences through stress were because of non-work related issues.
For more on this story, see Saturday’s Courier.