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Stuart Gentle Publisher at Onrec

Sick employees not taking time off to fully recover

Beverley Sunderland, Managing Director of Crossland Employment Solicitors

There is a common misconception that employees are entitled to company sick pay if they are ill. In fact, their only entitlement is to statutory sick pay (£88.45 per week) and only after the first four days (including non-work days). Statutory sick pay is not available to workers such as those on zero hours contracts or working in the ‘gig’ economy. Whilst many businesses do pay company sick pay, often not for the first few days of absence. This means that those with illnesses which are contagious or where bed rest will ensure a full and quick recovery (such as minor illnesses like coughs and colds, which were the most common reason for sickness absence in 2016), these people are not taking the time off but coming to work to ensure they continue to earn money. Illness is spreading in the workforce and workers are not fully productive as they are unwell.’ 

‘Many employers are now recognising the importance of wellbeing in the workplace and that to look after an employee’s health has a long term positive effect on the business. The use of occupational health, relaxation areas, massages at work, yoga classes, ‘duvet days’ and sensible working hours is improving productivity and ensuring staff retention at a time when skills shortages are really starting to become an issue in some parts of the country.’