Free Absence Management Policy

Employees in the UK can take time off work due to illness if they have been sick for 7 days consecutively. While there isn’t an upper limit of the number of sick days that can be taken, employers are advised to set out policy guidelines that match the demands of the job.

It is often common practice for employee absence to be referenced explicitly in the employment contract of particulars. While it’s important to make employees aware of the policy around absences, it can be more difficult to make changes to the policy once it is included in the employment contract. It’s therefore advised that employers consult with an employment law expert when drawing up employment contracts.

Regular staff absences can be possible grounds to dismiss an employee. However, this must fit within the parameters of ‘fair dismissal‘. In other words, the absence must be impacting their ability to fulfil their work obligations or negatively impacting the business in some other way.

While staff are not obliged to provide a reason for their absence, it is advised that they do so if they are comfortable sharing the cause of the absence and it is valid. In cases where unauthorised staff absences are not explained, employers should make efforts to have a discreet discussion with the individual.