8 in 10 UK businesses this week have been hit by staff pulling a 'sickie'

8 in 10 UK businesses this week have been hit by staff pulling a 'sickie' because of the good weather, whilst 7 in 10 workers admit the good weather has tempted them to ring in sick.

According to a survey of 7,023 employers, almost 8 in 10 businesses have reported staff pulling a 'sickie' this week with the huge rise being blamed on a short week and the early Summer like hot weather, according to employment law firm Peninsula. The survey also questioned 524 workers and found that 7 in 10 were tempted this week to pull a 'sickie' tempted by an early working week and the warm weather. In addition 8 in 10 employees believe there is no harm in taking a 'sickie' day every now and again providing it is not on a regular basis.

Peter Done, Managing Director of Peninsula said today "If hot and sunny Summer's are going to be the result of global warming then the problem of workers pulling a 'sickie' will get worse. If you're tempted to take time off work because of the hot weather, then your not alone, but before doing so think about how unfair it is towards your employer and fellow colleagues. To prevent staff pulling a 'sickie', bosses may want to introduce incentives such as free ice cream, picnic's or even an early finish providing targets are met. Also bosses need to ensure that office environments are comfortable with the provision of air conditioning and water machines, which will help keep morale going and ensure staff are looked after."

Done continues: "It may sound trivial that you're calling in sick because the sun is out and you want to lounge in the garden or go the country pub but it's fraudulent sickness. It really doesn't matter whether you're off for a day or a week its still non genuine and unfair to your fellow workers and your employer. If one employee goes off sick then it gives a bad impression and even encourages other employees to do the same. Bosses need to get serious and deter staff from taking 'sickie' days. Employers need to be strict they have to conduct return to work interviews which acts as a deterrent and helps find out why the workers was off sick. However do remember that some illness may be genuine so you must not go and accuse everyone of faking illness without good reason."

Done concludes: "Employees need to be careful because they can easily be disciplined for taking time off where proven to be non genuine and in certain cases it can even lead to be sacked. However if you are genuinely ill follow procedures and inform your employer, it may well be coincidence but if you do have to go the Doctors ask them for a sick note to prove your absenteeism is genuine. "

Source: onrec.com