Freelance contractor health issues 'must be considered by employers'

Date: March 10, 2010

Category: Health and Safety for Contractors

Bosses should ensure proper procedures are in place for dealing with mental and physical health issues faced by freelance contractors.

Firms should be open with staff so they know any issues will be dealt with fairly, explained business expert Dr Clare Kelliher of the Cranfield School of Management.

She called for more training and reminded bosses to treat freelance contractors and other employers with "dignity and respect".

Dr Kelliher's comments follow a survey carried out by Simplyhealth for Bothered Britain, which warned that UK firms could face an exodus of staff who feel their mental and physical health has been neglected.

Half of workers think their employer has ignored their wellbeing during the economic downturn, with nearly the same number planning to look for a new job once recovery is underway.

Employee wellbeing needs to be high on the agenda for bosses, Simplyhealth advised.

Posted by Sarah Putt