Everett Group

News

23 September 2009 Business issues warning following sick leave ruling

The Confederation of British Industry (CBI) has warned that a recent landmark ruling on sick leave by the European Court of Justice could leave employers open to abuse by unscrupulous staff.

The ruling means that employees who suffer illness while on annual leave could be entitled to reclassify their time off as sick leave, and be granted annual leave for a different period.

Katja Hall of the CBI said, 'Many firms already take a common-sense and sympathetic approach. But allowing employees to reclassify their holiday as sick leave opens the door to abuse'.

Meanwhile, the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) warned that the ruling could force employers to abandon occupational sick pay schemes, in favour of statutory schemes.

The CBI is calling for employers to be given the right to ask for a medical certificate, should the ruling become law.