Sir, – I refer to your Front page report (November 15th) suggesting that employers would have to pay the first four weeks of their staff’s sick pay under proposals drawn up by the Minister for Social Protection.
I understand that the national absenteeism rate is 2.6 per cent and therefore this move, if enacted, would have very severe consequences for the competitiveness of the Irish economy and would be a disincentive for foreign national companies to invest here.
Ireland should be trying to increase our international competitiveness, not reduce it. It can only be described as a shameful attempt by the Government to get the private sector to pay for social welfare cuts that the Government will not implement under the Programme for Government, for political reasons. I have no doubt, in common with the public service, that the sick pay that will have to be paid by struggling businesses will, in the majority, inevitably relate to “illnesses” on a Friday and a Monday. – Yours, etc,
Sir, – I see some merit in the proposal that employers shoulder more of the burden when employees are sick. This should encourage employers to see employee health and happiness as a more “bottom line” issue. Employers may now consider health insurance for employees as something that affects them more.
The amount of pressure and bullying experienced by employees has increased over the past number of years as has heightened the depression felt by the workforce in general. People who enjoy their work and workplace are less likely to be ill.
Instead of employers saying the State should do more to support their enterprises, perhaps the employers could encourage positive physical and mental health for employees? – Yours, etc,