The Labour Court recommended that LMS Oil Ltd discuss introducing a basic sick pay scheme within 12 months. The Services Industrial Professional Technical Union sought a non-contributory scheme covering six weeks a year, with payments topping up social welfare to take-home pay. LMS Oil said the cost of a comprehensive scheme could threaten its 14-person business in a competitive market. In a recommendation dated 3 December 1999, the Court noted that a discretionary sick pay arrangement already existed and that funding could be difficult. It recommended that any basic scheme include protections against excessive costs and increased absenteeism, with an enhanced scheme considered when finances allowed.