I REFER to the letter from David Gibbons from UNISON (December 8), regarding Bolton Council's sick leave problem.

The message comes across justifying it without realising the problems caused and who is paying for it. I am sure many of the absentees are receiving 'sick leave payments' and these are provided by the Council Tax.

If their work is then done by the other workers, then they are not fully employed. This seems to indicate a reduction in personnel is called for!

Council Tax is about to rise again (more than the cost of living). No doubt the council personnel will be in for a raise! Do they realise that there are many workers who continually have to forego increases in order to enable private industry to survive another year.

Perhaps Mr Gibbons should get his facts right and give some thought to his statements, working for the good of the town before he tries to score points to impress his members.

B Marsh

(address supplied)