Increasing numbers of contractors are remaining at work, despite fears they may have contracted swine flu, according to a survey by the Association of Professional Staffing Companies (APSCo).

The survey of APSCo members shows that as a result of the recession contractors are increasingly less likely to take time off work when sick, as they only get paid for the hours they actually work.

Marilyn Davidson, director of APSCo, says: “Significant problems can arise if a sickness policy is ambiguous and a contractor with suspected swine flu stays onsite. This is something that is increasingly likely during the recession as contractors do not get sickness pay, so will be looking to maximise their income.

“APSCo members have already reported several cases of contractors with suspected swine flu refusing to go home. Recruiters and end users need to update sickness policies now before the winter flu season begins.

“The combination of a pandemic and a recession is a recipe for trouble, potentially leading to contractors putting the health of core workforces at risk by attempting to avoid periods off work.”