Employers not a welfare service for swine flu

Media statement
Wednesday, 10 May, 2009

Employers not a welfare service for swine flu

Employers don't have the resources to cover all the costs of misfortunes their employees may face such as swine flu, says David Lowe, Employment Services Manager for the Northern Employers and Manufacturers Association.

"Union leader Andrew Little's call for employers to pay all the costs of employees unable to come to work because of swine flu are extra terrestrial," Mr Lowe said.

"Mr Little said employers should pick up their employees' swine flu costs, though welfare for events like this is a reason we all pay our taxes.

"Employers don't expect their employees to work for nothing.

"Of course employers will do the right thing by providing the agreed levels of paid sick leave and many may well go further but suggesting it be mandatory is irresponsible."

ENDS

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