I refer to 'Healthy reporter given two sick notes' (South China Morning Post, June 3) concerning the ease with which certificates can be obtained.
As an employer I have long suspected this. Employers must allow up to two days' sick leave per month; staff view that as an 'allowance' they should not 'lose'. Most junior staff in my company take sick leave on a regular basis, usually for just one day at a time. Certificates are usually for flu symptoms, bronchitis or stress.
You go to the doctor, claim some dizziness, tiredness, aching limbs and stress, cough a bit, and out comes the sick-leave note pad. You inform the office, sounding like you are about to die, and then arrange lunch with friends. Easy.
While I am not accusing the medical profession of malpractice, doctors are too easily conned by selfish, dishonest people. The result is an outrageous and unfair burden on businesses in Hong Kong, and must be stamped out.
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