PANIC over swine flu is already starting to impact on business with an increased sickness level seen this week, research has revealed.
On Monday, about 27,000 people took the day off complaining of cold, cough and flu symptoms, a figure at least 8.2 per cent higher than would be expected for this time of year, absence management company FirstCare has said.
The Institute of Payroll Professionals (IPP) has warned businesses to ensure that they have procedures in place to deal with absence levels as panic over swine flu grows over the coming weeks.
Lindsay Melvin, IPP chief executive, said: “Everybody gets sick, and employers understand that the majority of absence is genuine. However, Monday’s absence figures, which coincided with outbreaks of swine flu being seen on the news, were very alarming.
Staff absence can cost employers considerable amounts of money and businesses need to put measures in place so that they can gain a true insight into absence patterns and manage them appropriately.”
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