WOMEN now account for more than 60 per cent of the staff employed by Fenland District Council. The figures are included in a new report on staffing levels which shows the council now employs 718 full and part time workers compared to 827 a year ago. The r

WOMEN now account for more than 60 per cent of the staff employed by Fenland District Council.

The figures are included in a new report on staffing levels which shows the council now employs 718 full and part time workers compared to 827 a year ago. The reduced numbers reflect the sell off by the council of its housing stock and the transfer of many staff to Roddons Housing Association.

The report also shows fewer people are leaving the authority compared to previous years and the current figures "demonstrate an improvement in the turnover statistics".

As of September 30, the year to date cumulative turnover figure is just 3.29 per cent, says Sam Anthony, the human resources manager. By comparison the cumulative turnover figure for the whole of last year was 10.17 per cent, which had shown a drop from the previous two years.

The council also revealed that 30 of its staff have a disability which, although only 5.40 per cent, is much higher than neighbouring authorities: East Cambs only has 1.2 per cent disabled employees whilst West Norfolk has 3.2 per cent.

The council says it is actively encouraging people to declare if they have a disability but say some applicants may feel either unwilling or uncomfortable to declare a disability as they may feel it could preclude them from a position. The council says the message needs to get across to staff that there is no stigma in declare a disability.

A report to the staff committee also shows the average age of employees, with 7 per cent being aged 17-24, 36 per cent aged 25-39 and 50 per cent between 40-59.

Just over six per cent of the council's staff is aged between 60 and 74, says Ms Anthony.