Pay deal that can make you ill

IT is a scheme set up in an attempt to boost productivity among staff.

But it seems that performancerelated pay puts workers under so much pressure they fall ill.

Researchers at Aberdeen University have found a link between the bonus scheme and increased sickness rates.

Academics from the university’s Business School and Centre for European Labour Market Research analysed survey results of more than 2,500 Britons in a variety of occupations.

Lead researcher Professor Keith Bender said in occupations such as law and sales, strict targets were more likely to see staff work through their breaks or skip meals to work more hours.

But in workplaces with heavy machinery, workers are cutting safety corners, increasing the risk of serious accidents, according to the paper published yesterday in the academic journal Oxford Economic Papers.

Professor Bender added: ‘ In occupations where you are less likely to suffer an injury but are still paid based on performance, such as salesmen and lawyers, the story is more about time.

‘ Performance - r el ated pay makes explicit to workers the value of their time.

‘Therefore, instead of going and exercising at lunchtime, they are more likely to stay working, or to work late at night having a takeaway rather than going home and preparing a healthy meal.

‘This will not cause illness or injury immediately but there is likely to be an effect on health if done consistently over time.’