Half of firms in Essex would crack down on sick days off and count them as unpaid leave, according to a survey of UK financial directors.
The survey by Reed Accountancy found backing for the supermarket chain Tesco which counts the first three days off as unpaid leave.
Some firms have already implemented the scheme and found it has substantially reduced short term absenteeism, according to the survey.
The findings follows research by the CBI showing sick days have risen for the first time in five years.
One director said: "Britain may work the longest hours in Europe, but it is not an excuse for employees to rip off their employers with the sickness culture that prevails nowadays."
Employers organisations agree, but the Institute of Directors acknowledges the difficulties of some.
Nicholas Cook, chairman of the Essex IoD said: "Work pressures on those who now work on Satudays and Sundays contribute to the sickness culture by making it difficult for families to spend the traditional weekend together.
"The long working hours of many is also a factor, but none of these things justify taking time off using sickness as an excuse."
Some directors believe there should be a stonger link between pay and attendance.
A poll of directors found 57 per cent 'definitely or probably' in favour of the Tesco measure.
The support in Essex was slightly lower with 50 per cent for and 46 per cent against and four per cent neutral.
Published Wednesday June 9, 2004
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