New figures released by HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) have revealed that the tax office staff have taken more than half a million sick days in the past year. This news comes as the tax office also admitted that it has been unable to answer four million calls from taxpayers annually.
The figures, which were obtained through a Freedom of Information request, show that HMRC employees took a total of 561,000 sick days in the 2019-2020 financial year. This amounts to an average of 3.3 days per employee, with the most common reasons for absence being mental health issues, musculoskeletal problems, and respiratory illnesses.
While these numbers may seem concerning at first glance, it is important to note that HMRC has a workforce of over 60,000 employees. This means that the average number of sick days per employee is actually lower than the national average of 4.4 days per year. In fact, the tax office has seen a decrease in the number of sick days taken by its employees over the past few years, with 2019-2020 seeing a 3% decrease compared to the previous year.
In response to these figures, an HMRC spokesperson stated that the tax office takes the health and wellbeing of its employees very seriously. They emphasized that the decrease in sick days is a testament to the success of their efforts in promoting a healthy work-life balance and providing support for employees dealing with health issues.
However, the figures also revealed a concerning issue regarding the tax office’s call center. With four million calls going unanswered every year, many taxpayers are left frustrated and unable to get the assistance they need. This has been a long-standing issue for HMRC, with the tax office facing criticism for its poor customer service and long wait times on the phone.
In response to this issue, HMRC has stated that they are taking steps to improve their call center services. This includes hiring more staff and investing in new technology to help handle the high volume of calls. The tax office has also implemented a new callback system where taxpayers can request a call back at a convenient time, instead of waiting on hold.
Despite these challenges, HMRC has still managed to collect a record-breaking £628.9 billion in taxes for the 2019-2020 financial year. This is a testament to the hard work and dedication of its employees, who have continued to work tirelessly even during the ongoing pandemic.
The tax office has also played a crucial role in providing financial support to businesses and individuals during these difficult times. From implementing the furlough scheme to distributing grants and loans, HMRC has been at the forefront of the government’s efforts to support the economy.
In conclusion, while the figures may show a high number of sick days taken by HMRC employees and a concerning issue with call center services, it is important to recognize the hard work and dedication of the tax office in fulfilling its duties. With the ongoing pandemic and the increasing demands on HMRC, it is crucial that we continue to support and appreciate the efforts of its employees in ensuring the smooth functioning of our tax system.
