Council and NHS workers in Fife, Scotland, are being encouraged to get more active as part of plans to cut sedentary behaviour in the workplace.

Fife Council spent £14.4m on occupational and sick pay in the financial year 2015/16, with half of this due to stress and musculoskeletal problems.

A report, which will be discussed by councillors on Tuesday (24 January), says "that a significant proportion of this could be attributed to sedentary levels in the workplace. Changing this would therefore have a positive impact in reducing sickness absence and delivering financial benefits at a time when the council budget is under severe pressure."

Councillors will be advised to endorse a range of recommendations, which have been made by a Physical Activity and Sport Policy Advisory Group (PASPAG). These include:

- identifying staff for whom reducing the level of sedentary behaviour would have the most impact

- developing a training plan for managers to increase understanding and awareness within the workplace of the dangers of sedentary behaviour and continue to work to promote increased physical activity

- delivering a marketing and promotional campaign to Fife Council, NHS Fife and Fife Health and Social Care Partnership to challenge and change workplace cultures so that ‘Sit Less, Move More’ becomes acceptable practice and one which extends to home life

- to consider together with sports clubs, community groups and local leisure providers how families can take part together and how best to increase opportunities for young people to engage in physical activity and sport with adults and the wider family.

The six-page report adds: "In addition to the range of successful initiatives and programmes which have already helped to increase physical activity opportunities and participation levels in Fife, the recommendations made by the PASPAG identify what still needs to be done to address the specific needs of reducing sedentary behaviour and breaking the cycle of disadvantage."