Another Cost To Business
If the Government truly believes it has a role in work and life balance, then it should promote those values but let
business select its reward structures, not put businesses at risk by being prescriptive.
The proposed compulsory extra week’s holiday is a cost to employers, will be a cost to employees, places business and
investment at risk, and threatens job creation.
The cost to business is a double whammy, firstly as an additional cost for each employee of a week’s wages, and
secondly, as a loss of production and therefore a loss in sales and associated revenue.
The cost to employees is having to take an additional week’s holiday instead of a salary increase or another benefit
that would better suit their lifestyles.
The Chamber is concerned that Government has taken over the union role of delivering employee benefits to its
constituents, and believes it sends the wrong message to employers and potential investors.
Responsible employers are changing the way they manage the relationships they have with employees. The Government’s role
is to encourage this, not be impatient and introduce regulation that distorts the employer-employee reward system.