A heated debate broke out today as political commentator Russell Quirk slammed author Rebecca Reid for saying employers should have "some flexibility for when you just need a day off."
It comes as today is dubbed 'National Sickie Day' and is statistically the day when most workers are likely to call in sick, according to research.
Speaking on GB News Reid said: "Sometimes you just need a day off. I think if you are a good employee who is relied upon and does good quality work, very occasionally you are hungover, sad, have had a breakup, or just don't feel like working.
"If it is occasional, and you are a really good employee elsewhere, I think that employers should have some flexibility and understanding."
Rebecca Reid said that employers should "have some flexibility"
GB News
However, Quirk did not agree with this and slammed Reid as "the problem."
He said: "Unfortunately, Rebecca is very much the problem. My question to Rebecca is what's the limit?
"How many hangovers a year am I allowed to have? 20-30?
"How many days of anxiety am I allowed because my pet is ill? Might I be able to take advantage so that my employer has to suffer as well as my fellow employees?
The pair debated on GB News
GB News
"It's a consequence of me deciding to shirk my job responsibilities time and time again.
"It's funny though isn't it, that those on the left like Rebecca say that we should just have time off whenever we want but are also the same people that lament the fact that under the current Government, we're not very productive and our economy isn't very strong. Rebecca, you can't have it both ways can you?"
Reid responded: "I don't tend to lament that and I don't think it's necessarily to do with this topic.
"I would say that a good example is that in companies, particularly some tech companies, have implemented policies where it is an unlimited holiday.
Russell Quirk said that Reid is"the problemem"
GB News
"Employees are self-regulated how much time they take off, people tend to take slightly less holiday than they are entitled to.
"Generally speaking a lot of consultancy companies have provided reports that say that if you treat people like grown-ups and you give people a lot more autonomy over their work, they are more likely to do a better job for you.
"Your retention levels are generally higher and people tend to report better satisfaction. So, the stick method doesn't tend to create good retention or good employee productivity through employee happiness.
"It might sound all very fluffy, but it it's a very good way of saving money."