Surge in cold and flu cases driving 50% increase in workplace sick leave across Australia

Data shows rates of absenteeism in the first two weeks of May were well above the seasonally-adjusted average

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A perfect storm" of circulating winter illnesses and a lack of immunity due to the population not being exposed to the flu in recent years is driving a surge in Australian workers calling in sick, with absenteeism rates in May about 50% above the long-term average.

Across Australia, rates of personal leave in the first two weeks of May were 49% above the seasonally adjusted baseline, according to small and medium business payroll data from MYOB provided to Guardian Australia.

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