Letter: Youthful advantage
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Sir: I am intrigued to learn ('Staff of Japanese firms in UK take less sick leave', 11 March), that Japanese companies have a lower rate of absenteeism than the national average.
Before we leap to the conclusion that Japanese working practices are the answer to all our ills, however, perhaps we should consider one crucial factor not mentioned in your report. Most Japanese companies are recently established, and have been free to recruit from an abundant, young and healthy workforce. Unless other employers were in the same position, the comparison must be misleading.
Yours sincerely,
PETER BURKE
Marsh Baldon, Oxford
12 March
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments