Sick days costing firms €1bn a year

Absenteeism

absenteeism is costing Irish small businesses over almost €1bn a year, according to a new report by the Small Firms Association (SFA).

"The direct cost to small business with sick pay schemes is over €490m.

"When you include additional direct costs, such as replacing staff, paying overtime and medical referrals, and indirect costs, such as loss of productivity and the time spent managing absence, the overall cost is close to €1bn," SFA executive Alan Sherlock said.