21st July 2007, 11:33 AM
it is pretty standard practice in many industries that those on short-term contracts have no right to sick pay from their employer above SSP, or only move onto company sick pay schemes when they have fulfilled a qualifying period. This is recognised in the RAO requirement for sick pay allowing a qualifying period. This may be seen as a 'getting to know you' period. If you stya with an RAO you should move onto sick pay scheme after this qualifying period.
Looking at archaeology, I am sure the longer-term wish would be to move towards sick pay for all. However, and I know it wins no friends, but the introduction overnight of the cost of sick pay at full salary level from day 1 for RAOs would be another significant imposition, because it adds substantially to overhead costs. Again it comes down to those organsiations who are 'virtuous' would be 'punished' commercially, and those outside the RAO system would enjoy more commercial advantage.
Looking at archaeology, I am sure the longer-term wish would be to move towards sick pay for all. However, and I know it wins no friends, but the introduction overnight of the cost of sick pay at full salary level from day 1 for RAOs would be another significant imposition, because it adds substantially to overhead costs. Again it comes down to those organsiations who are 'virtuous' would be 'punished' commercially, and those outside the RAO system would enjoy more commercial advantage.