Sick leave rules hampering small firms' hiring plans
A recent survey by the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) and research firm ICM suggests that the new rules on long-term sick leave are deterring nearly three-quarters of small firms from taking on new staff.
Under the Working Time Directive, staff on long-term sick leave are entitled to paid annual leave. They are also allowed to convert annual leave into sick leave if they are ill while on holiday. The survey reveals that nearly 40% of small businesses said they would be more cautious about employing new staff with health problems.
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http://www.fsb.org.uk/News.aspx?loc=general&rec=6189
