Sick days are on the up – but just how many sickies are 'acceptable'?

Sick days among council employees are up 15% on last year. The average across all areas was 12 days per employee, with the highest in Carrickfergus Borough council where it was 17. The stats come from an annual report by the local government auditor for the year 2012-2013. The stats have attracted criticism - but just how many sick days are 'acceptable'? On the line - Patrick Mullholland from the union NIPSA and businessman and commentator Irwin Armstrong...