Swine flu sees rise in unpaid leave

The spread of swine flu has resulted in an increase in workers taking unpaid leave in order to care for their children.

Flu infections closed several more schools yesterday, forcing thousands of working parents to take time off to stay home with their children.

In order to combat the rise in staff absences, the Government has prepared a Business Continuity Guide, stating ccompanies need to “establish leave and remuneration policies” for staff who cannot- or who do not want to – come to work.

Businesses are also being urged to consider helping staff with childcare responsibilities. The guide states: “establish childcare arrangements for children of essential workers in their own homes with pre-screening of carers and children”.

The NSW Office of Industrial Relations says employers must take “reasonable” steps to ensure the health of their workers by “eliminating or controlling” the risks of swine flu.

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