Swine flu reporting blamed for absenteeism increase

Reports of a possible swine flu pandemic have already led to an increase in absenteeism across the UK, it has been claimed.There have so far been only been two confirmed UK cases of the virus, which has been responsible for up to 150 deaths in Mexico. However, British workers with flu-like symptoms have stayed at home in greater numbers this week because of fears fuelled by media reports, says absence management specialist FirstCare.
 

It’s untenable to have a normal retirement age in public-sector schemes that is significantly different from the state retirement age

Brian Bailey, Director of pensions, West Midlands Pension Fund and member of High Pay Commission