Absenteeism cost €172m in 2003

Small business lost 3.8 million work days through absenteeism in 2003 at a cost of €172m.

The electronics, clothing and footwear sectors are the worst sufferers with the Midlands and North-East regions the worst affected.

The main contributory factor to absences was stress, the fourth national absenteeism report by the Small Firms Association said today.

On average, the number of days lost in a large firm were 10.5 while a small firm averaged 5.9. The national average was 7.8 days.

Translated into a monetary value, there is was an average cost per employee of €649 per annum based on average earnings of €550 per week.

41% of small companies provided sick pay while employees are absent.

Patricia Callan, Assistant Director of the Small Firms Association said: "The results show marked differences across sectors and regions.

"Small firms with less than 50 employees are less likely to have workers absent on sick leave than larger firms.

"Employers should ensure that they are fulfilling their duty of care to their employees by conducting stress risk assessments as part of their review of their health and safety," Callan added.