A surge of absenteeism caused by covid related absenteeism has negatively affected companies, a survey done amongst Malta Employers’ Association members said. 

A total of 325 employers responded to the survey where it was reported that 32% of respondents have an absenteeism rate higher than 15%, making it very difficult to cope with staff shortages; 58% said that they are dealing by providing teleworking where possible, whilst 51% said that they have had to reduce operations to cope. 

The survey conducted by the Malta Employers’ Association included companies coming from all sectors in the economy. 

In a press release, the Association said that they had seen a drastic increase in employees absenteeism caused by them having been in primary contact and thus with positive cases and therefore having to quarantine, as the number of covid cases has increased in the past three weeks. It added that since businesses are being affected badly, it will negatively affect GDP and governmental finances, assuming that the wage supplement is extended to at least the first quarter of 2022 in the face of such circumstances. 

The Association is appealing to the authorities to constantly re-examine the measures taken to ensure public health safety, such as the number of quarantine days amongst other restrictions, to make sure they are in line with a risk level of the pandemic. 

It also noted that in order to avoid unnecessary absence at the workplace, clarifications should be given to businesses to address the issues that have arisen caused by ambiguous regulations.