COUNCIL bosses have admitted there are still “barriers” to staff approaching their managers about their own mental health.

The corporate services committee was presented with the latest performance figures on workers being away from the job because of various illnesses. In the last quarter, days lost is estimated to have cost West Dunbartonshire Council £1.6 million.

There has been a decrease in absence compared to the same period last year, though council officials admitted December was “very challenging” due to illness.

Councillor John Mooney questioned whether mental health estimates were “probably lower than you would expect” and possibly be hidden within staff claiming stress.

Victoria Rogers, strategic lead for people and technology at the council, told the committee: “Unfortunately there are barriers still to overcome that employees can come to their manager and there’s a lot we can do to help people feel they can come forward.”

Cllr Mooney added: “It’s an indication possibly that there’s still a stigma there.”