Question

If a construction worker, maid-servant, dhobi or a peon in school has absented herself/himself for long due to ill health, find out how it has affected her/his:

1. job security
2. wage/salary

What could be the possible reasons?

Answer 1

Long absence from work due to ill health can affect a worker in the following ways:

1. A construction worker, maid-servant, dhobi, or peon may risk losing their job, especially if the employment is temporary, informal, or without paid medical leave. The employer may hire another person in their place.
2. The worker may lose wages or salary for the days of absence. In informal jobs, workers are often paid only for the days they actually work, so prolonged illness can reduce their income considerably.

Possible reasons:

• Lack of paid sick leave.
• Temporary or informal nature of employment.
• No written job contract.
• Employer may need a replacement during the worker’s absence.
• Poor health reduces the worker’s ability to work regularly.
• Limited social security or medical benefits.

Thus, ill health can reduce both job security and income, especially for workers in the informal sector.