Absenteeism cost businesses €112m last year

ABSENTEEISM cost Irish businesses more than €112m last year, according to the Small Firms Association.

Workers in electronic firms were absent for an average of 11.5 days last year, compared to the national average of 7.8 days. Those employed in clothing and footwear firms also had a higher rate of absenteeism, at 10.5 days.

The survey by the Small Firms Association also showed different levels of absenteeism between regions. Companies in the midlands had absenteeism rates of 12 days per worker and in the north-east it was 11.5 days.