Over 600 civil servants in the North have been warned or issued with dismissal notices because of unacceptable sickness records.
With some spending months off work, the Departments of Agriculture and Employment and Learning were dealing with over half the cases, a written response from Finance Minister Peter Robinson said.
The 601 cases highlighted in an Assembly written response from the minister represent the most serious cases where staff have received a written warning or notice of dismissal. There are around 30,000 civil service workers in total.
Mr Robinson has promised to make savings on workers off sick, some of whom he accused of lead swinging. He acknowledged that many do involve serious illness.
Earlier this year the minister warned that if sickness was eradicated it would be enough to run three government departments and would save a fortnight off per worker.
Public service union NIPSA represents many civil servants.
Assistant General Secretary Kieran Bannon accused the government of "spinning" the issue.
"Procedures are being ignored because of the hype about this issue and we are aggrieved at the comment made by Peter Robinson in relation to civil service sick absence. They need to get behind the statistics. The cuts they have experienced and falling budgets means they are facing an increased amount of service."
He warned that if the vacant posts were filled it would be enough to run many government functions.
DUP Assembly member Stephen Moutray received the information in the Assembly.
PA
