Staff absence due to ongoing travel disruptions caused by the volcanic ash cloud is costing British businesses an estimated £3 million a day.
According to absence management firm FirstCare, absence caused by transport problems jumped to 20,300 cases yesterday (Monday), compared to just short of 3,000 on a normal day.
Aaron Ross, chief executive of FirstCare, said: “The high level of non-medical related absence is reminiscent of the snow chaos cause at the beginning of the year and at an average direct cost of £168 per day of absence, it will cost UK business over £3m a day.
“Our nurses have been taking calls from stranded employees across the world, many of whom have been trying to return since late last week. We are also hearing from relatives who are looking after children and dependants of those stranded and as a result are unable to go to work themselves.”
