According to the CBI, the equivalent sickness rate in the private sector was 6.5 days per employee.

BBC: North council workers taking a million sick days a year

The force said the sickness rate had come down in recent months, although the number of days lost specifically to stress was still increasing.

BBC: Nottinghamshire Police see surge in sickness rates

The assessments determine whether applicants are entitled to the highest rate of ESA - for those deemed unable to work at all due to sickness or disability - or are considered "fit for work", in which case they are put on jobseeker's allowance instead.

BBC: Benefit tests 'not money driven'