FSB demands small employer’s relief to slash sickness costs

The Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) has called for the introduction of a small employer's relief to help businesses cope with the high cost and administrative burden of sickness absence.

Ahead of independant review findings into the sickness absence system, The FSB's ‘Voice of Small Business' survey showed sickness absence cost small businesses an average of £1,500 in the last 12 months, with 9% of firms paying out £5,000 or more. 

The survey also showed 40% of small business employers find dealing with sickness absence and holiday entitlement one of the most difficult aspects of employment law.