Bad winter could cost businesses £230m per day

Forum of Private Business says firms must take steps to enable key staff to work from home

Employee absenteeism: Snow joke for private business

The Forum of Private Business (FPB) warned today that severe weather conditions could cost businesses £230m per day if they do not take steps to enable staff to work from home. The figure is based on one employee per company being off for one day and not working.

FPB research manager Tom Parry said losing key staff because of the weather, even for just a day, is damaging, particularly in the current economic conditions. He said: “It’s important that employers have contingency plans for these occasions and that these comply with employment law.”

Parry added: “Home working is the solution in many cases – although 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.”

According to a recent FPB "cost of compliance" survey, small business employers in the UK spend a total of £391m per year on absence control and management – more than on any other aspect of employment law.

The FPB’s calculation was made using the daily GDP figure, anticipated vehicle breakdown levels from the AA, average salaries and official data reflecting an expected fall in retail sales.