POLICE officers in County Durham who pull too many "sickies" face being blocked from promotion after a review showed that sickness absence was costing the force more than £3m a year.

New measures are being introduced after the review showed that between 2000 and 2001, a total of 3,522 working days were lost through uncertified sickness - 121 less than the previous year.

A points system has now been put in place, and staff whose absences run up a score that meets or exceeds targets will be blocked from seeking promotion or transfers, and could find themselves barred from working bank holiday overtime.

The review reported that certified sick leave - more than eight days - accounted for 16,279 days lost, against 13,384 in the previous 12 months, at a cost to the organisation of nearly £3,200,000.

No fewer than 47 recommendations, many of them drawn up to manage sickness absence, were included in the review report.

Other areas covered included secondments, training, annual leave, time off and rest days in lieu.

Absences to take part in sport and other recreational activity is also being addressed by the review. The recommendations contained in the review are expected to be in place by the end of the year and will incorporate an appeals procedure.