ISME survey warns of job losses if mandatory sick pay proposal adopted

A new survey reveals that the small business community is strongly opposed to the Government’s controversial mandatory employee sick pay proposal.

More than 90% of the 766 companies quizzed by small firms lobby group, ISME, said the proposals, made late last year by Minister for Social Protection Joan Burton, could result in job losses and would increase their cost base further.

Just over 70% of respondents said they felt such a move would increase absenteeism levels.