British Airways’ recent dispute with staff highlights all too clearly the problems that can arise from mismanaging absence. To tackle the problem, employers need to ensure they have a system in place for dealing with sick leave, including contingency plans for covering illness. To best prepare for staff shortages stemming from seasonal illness companies need to look at outsourcing and restructuring, to keep staffing at a productive level – a step that will help tackle the enormous financial impact on the UK economy from sickness absence, which last year reached a staggering ?12 billion.