The Forum of Private Business (FPB) is warning that the cost of a single day of employee absenteeism because of the freezing winter conditions could be at least £230m.
The Met Office has warned that minimum temperatures have dropped to their lowest for 15 years, with snow between 15 and 25cm deep in places.
The calculation was made using information including the daily GDP figure, anticipated vehicle breakdown levels from the AA, average salaries and official data reflecting an expected fall in retail sales.
“Employees make businesses grow and losing key staff because of the weather, even for just a day, is very damaging, particularly in the current economic climate,” said the FPB’s Research Manager, Tom Parry. “It is important that employers put in place contingency plans for these occasions and that these plans comply with employment law.
“For example, home working might be seen as a solution – obviously 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.”
The FPB is supporting small businesses via its recently updated Employment Guide, which contains information and guidance on almost every aspect of employment, as well as practical help on complying with the law.
For more information about the Guide, which is available online or as a hard copy, call 0845 612 6266 or go to www.fpb.org/shop/13/Employment_Guide_2009.
