The DNA research department at the national forensic institute is so stretched that workers are becoming ill and crime investigations are being delayed, the NFI’s works council said on Friday.

In some units, the absentee rate has risen to 8% or higher and the pressure is having a serious impact on more key workers, the works council said.

So far, some 250 dna investigations have been delayed, some running into months. And the government’s planned cuts, which will reduce the workforce by 10% will add to the problems, the works council said.

Welfare

‘The department’s managers appear to have little understanding of the work involved and the impact on the welfare of staff,’ the works council said.

Socialist MP Michiel van Nispen told website Nu.nl the situation is untenable. ‘Delays in these sort of investigations put tracking down criminals at risk,’ he said. ‘The minister has to intervene.’

The NFI said a combination of factors had led to the present situation and that workers have faced a difficult time. ‘We are working continually to find a solution for the absenteeism,’ a spokesman said.