LANCASHIRE Fire and Rescue Service’s sickness absence reached a record low last year with average absences below four per person.

Chief fire officer Peter Holland said the service has set itself a annual target of fewer than five days on average for each member of staff for the past four years.

Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service has been recognised through the national audit programme as being the highest performing fire service in England and Wales, including having the lowest level of sickness absence than any other fire and rescue service.

In addition to achieving the annual target, almost 60 per cent of Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service employees did not have a day’s sickness in the last year.

Bob Warren, director of people and development, said: “These continuously good results show the high level of commitment of our staff to attending work and highlight the overall efficiency of the service.

“The results have been achieved by excellent teamwork and good line management, while our Human Resources and Occupational Health departments have played an important role in providing early support to staff who require assistance, ensuring that they can return to work as quickly as possible.”