AN AUTUMN outbreak of swine flu could create extra demands on temporary staffing and increase costs for employers as sickness levels rise.
Chester-based recruitment agency The Business Connection, which has branches in Liverpool, Crewe, Wrexham and Manchester, said government figures estimated that one-in-eight staff could be forced to take time off work, resulting in a huge cost to businesses already facing difficult trading conditions.
Business Connection chief executive Kirsty Craig said: “We are beginning to see a rise in demand for temporary employees across the North West and, with more swine flu cases being diagnosed every day, this is only set to increase.
“Many organisations, especially small and medium-sized businesses, will be relying on temporary workers to fill these vacancies quickly to help save time and money, so recruitment agencies across the region will play a key part in supplying staff to them.
“While there are a large number of temporary employees available for work across the North West, I would also advise businesses not to be complacent, and to get contingency plans in place.”
