Fowler A
People Management, (UK), 8 Jan 98 (4/1)
Start page: 44 No of pages: 2
Considers ways in which UK managers can try to reduce sickness absence, explaining how to develop a programme to tackle the problem. Advises on how to set targets for the programme, the data that can be gathered, the actions to take to understand the causes of absenteeism and to encourage good attendance, and the potential of bonuses, occupational health services and flexible working schemes for reducing absences. 

There’s been a move to bring those working in the health service and those in council social services closer together by linking their training.
Two new separate training bodies have been set up for each area - but for the first time they have been set the task of joint working some issues. And they have to produce a report each year on how they are getting on with each other. 

The Government has launched Service First - the new guideline for how managers in the public sector should approach providing public services and the replacement to the existing charter system.
In tune with Better Government thinking seen in earlier initiatives, Service First puts the customer firmly in the driving seat.
It promises a review of existing charters and other current ways of setting standards, and offers nine new principles of public service delivery. 

Can the Hollow State be Good Government?
Christopher D Foster and Francis J Plowden.
This is a comprehensive account of the changes that have taken place in British government in recent years. It argues that (and explains why) there has been a general decline in competence and ability to deliver good government.
Ministers are increasingly overloaded, their long-standing relationships with civil servant have altered and the power of Parliament has declined.