National Sickie Day case study: Self-employed struggle to take sick leave
On what has been branded ‘National Sickie Day’ (February 5), it is time to give a voice to the nation’s small business owners, who typically take fewer holidays, work longer hours, and – in some cases – have never had a day off sick.
Sanjay Aggarwal, Co-Founder of Spice Kitchen, has been running his business for 12 years, and, incredibly, is yet to have a day off in that time – either through sickness or otherwise.
It comes as research conducted by small business insurer Simply Business found one in three small business owners are working more than 46 hours a week and one-third (32%) survive on less than five hours of sleep a night on average. The survey of over 1,000 SME owners also found that three quarters (73%) take fewer than 20 days of holiday per year.
Sanjay Aggarwal, 40, has never taken a day off throughout the 12 years since he co-founded his business, Spice Kitchen, with his mother Shashi.
What initially started as a retirement hobby for Sanjay’s mother in 2012, became a successful spice company with products available across hundreds of retailers, and even a namesake cookbook under its belt.
“Everything we do is rooted in my mother’s deep knowledge of spices and Indian Masalas and is powered by my love of cooking with flavours from around the world. It is truly a labour of love,” says Sanjay.
Sanjay’s employee Ann Lowe describes her boss as ‘bionic’ as he simply never stops working and will go to great lengths for customers.
“More than anyone I know, Sanjay will do anything for anyone. So if a customer asks for an obscure chilli or a bespoke order, he will do what he can to make it happen,” says Ann.
“I don’t think it’s the case that Sanjay ‘can’t’ take a day off, more that he doesn’t really want to.”
Sanjay credits his work ethic to his parents, after watching them work tirelessly throughout his childhood and beyond.
Alan Thomas, UK CEO at Simply Business: “For many of the UK's 5.5 million small business owners, sadly taking time off whilst ill just doesn't feel like an option.
“Small business owners can be left in a catch-22 situation, with the choice of pushing through and risking greater illness, or losing money by temporarily closing.
“With 62% of small business owners believing the introduction of a form of self-employed statutory sick pay would help, it's vital that the government consider how they can best support our self-employed community.”
