Owner Manager

Employers worried Swine flu will lead to ‘sickies’

28.07.2009
A high percentage of Irish employers (82pc) expect at least one member of their workforce to be off sick with Swine flu by the end of the year, with nearly as many anticipating at least one of their workforce pulling ‘sickies’ because of the pandemic, according to a survey by employment law consultancy Peninsula Ireland.

Peninsula Ireland managing director Alan Price (pictured) said “pandemic panic” was hitting the Irish workplace: “With the rate of infection picking up over the past month and the tough autumn months to come, employers are fearful that their workforce will fall victim to the bug.

“With employers already struggling to survive in the current recession, Swine flu is just another obstacle for them to tackle. It’s important that employers take a proactive approach now towards the infection and make contingency plans, such as more then one employee being able to perform key tasks,” he said.

“The problem many employers face is that some members of their workforce will see Swine flu as a good excuse to take some time off, and this is where employers need to take action and be fair but firm.”

He advised investigating the matter thoroughly if you suspect employee sickness to be fraudulent and conducting back-to-work interviews, pointing out the impact the individual’s absence has had on the business in order to discourage further offending.

“There have been cases where an employee has stated they wouldn’t be coming in because someone in the office may be showing symptoms. This is unacceptable and employers are well within their rights to record this absence as unauthorised and take appropriate action. As much as employers should be understanding and careful, they do need to ensure they protect their bottom line.”

Pictured: Peninsula Ireland managing director Alan Price

The Department of Enterprise, Trade has produced a Business Continuity Planning – Responding to an Influenza Pandemic document that gives advice and a checklist to businesses on planning for the pandemic. View the report.

For further information on how businesses should pan for the Swine flu pandemic, visit HSE.ie.