17.12.2014

One Quarter Suffer Negative Impact From Staff Health

More than a quarter of SMEs in the North West of England have been suffered negative effects from ill health among staff, a survey has revealed.
 
The Lancashire Evening Post reports that the Close Brothers Business Barometer, a quarterly report on the state of SMEs and their senior management, found that 27% of small to medium-sized firms in the North West have been impacted by health and wellbeing issues.
 
Nearly three-quarters of these reported a rise in staff taking days off, while another 11% said they have seen a drop in productivity, and the same proportion reported an increase in staff turnover.
 
"Anything that has a negative impact on an employee’s wellbeing will likely be reflected in their performance and consequently, that of the overall business," said Clare Coria, regional sales director for Close Brothers Invoice Finance in the North West.
 
The survey comes shortly after more positive figures from Grant Thornton, which noted a 3.9% rise in the number of people employed by SMEs in the North West.

Expert Opinion

Staff sickness is a key issue for small businesses to carefully consider and is one of the key reasons why they must ensure they have robust, comprehensive employment policies in place. <br/> <br/>"Not only will these ensure that employees recognise their responsibilities and what is expected of them in the workplace, it will also ensure businesses are prepared and able to raise issues related to absenteeism in a suitable and compassionate manner. <br/> <br/>"SMEs need to think carefully about all of this and we would urge them to get legal advice on such matters." Fergal Dowling - Partner