Bad winter could cost private businesses �230m per day

Dave Bailey, Computing, Tuesday 5 January 2010 at 17:16:00

Forum for Private Business says employee absenteeism needs contingency
planning

The
Forum
of Private Business (FPB) warned today that the winter weather could cost
private businesses �230m per day if they don't make provisions for staff home
working. The figure is based on one employee per company being off for one day
and not working.

FPB research manager Tom Parry said losing key staff because of the weather,
even for just a day, is damaging, particularly in the current economic
conditions. He said: ?It?s important that employers have contingency plans for
these occasions and that these comply with employment law.?

Parry added: ?Home working is the solution in many cases ? although not for
manufacturers and retailers ? but business owners should be aware that it is
their responsibility to ensure that employees? houses meet health and safety
standards.?

According to a recent FPB "cost of compliance" survey, small business
employers in the UK spend a total of �391m per year on absence control and
management ? more than on any other aspect of employment law.

The FPB?s calculation was made using the daily GDP figure, anticipated
vehicle breakdown levels from the Automobile Association, average salaries and
official data reflecting an expected fall in retail sales.

Full story at http://www.computing.co.uk/computing/news/2255638/bad-winter-cost-private