Fifteen workers at a Black Country council have been sacked under strict new sickness rules, it emerged today.

Walsall Council staff have been warned they face dismissal for high rates of absence and if there is no foreseeable return to work.

The new system introduced on October 15  includes a stricter monitoring scheme to calculate how many days workers are taking off. People who are continuously absent for 16 weeks or more are now called to a sickness hearing.

It comes as it was revealed more than £5 million was paid in sick pay and salaries in four years.

Councillor Chris Towe, Walsall Council cabinet member for finance and personnel, said: “Walsall Council is fair employer. But we will address those who take advantage of the situation.”