SIR – Re the amount we are paying long-term-ill council staff, some questions must be asked.

If stress is a major factor, is adequate information given to applicants on the full duties of the posts, and are the interviewers professional enough to choose the right people? What percentage of salary is paid, for how long and who pays it? Are temporary staff hired and what happens to the sickness benefit paid by the Government?

Philip Bird, Nab Wood Terrace, Shipley