Exploiting the natural experiment of the unification of East and West Germany, researchers found that the past absenteeism of those applying for the public service was significantly higher than those applying for private sector jobs. I’d reproduce their abstract here, as is my wont, but I won’t. The Acrobat settings on their paper (pdf) don’t permit it.
So people who have time off needs – family, health, whatever – prefer jobs where their time off or time in lieu will be given. Surprised?
Now, in Abbottland, we’ll soon be able to demonstrate that the same people won’t go near the public service on a bet…