Staff absences, particularly unauthorised absences was one of the most commonly cited issues by employers, with 19% of calls concerning staff members failing to turn up for work.

"Members have access to invaluable information, and I would urge them to call the helpline whenever they make any changes in the workplace, rather than leaving it until there is a problem with staff," stated Philip Moody, the FPB's Senior Member Services Representative. "The sooner that assistance can be given to ward off potential disputes, the better."

16% of calls to the helpline concerned actual or prospective redundancy, and 11% were concerned about contractual issues.

The volume of calls to the FPB decreased in December, with many companies shutting down for the Christmas period. However, the number of calls was greater than in December 2006.