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In these challenging times, it’s no surprise that you may have come across a rise in sickness and absenteeism in your business. With winter fast approaching it's vital your business is prepared to manage a potential increase in short-term to long-term sickness and absence.
Did you know?
If an employee is off sick for up to seven days and less than eight days, they can self-certify their sickness. For any period of absence that exceeds seven days, a fit note from their GP will be required.
If the fit note states that the employee is OK to work then no further action is required. If the fit note states that the employee can gradually return to work with lighter duties, if practically possible, you should accommodate this.
If this isn’t something you’re able to work around, then the employee should stay off work and your normal sick rules would still apply.
If an employee fails to provide you with a fit note covering their sickness absence, it could result in Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) not being issued for the period of absence.1
Prepare for winter absences with our free guide.
Our experts have summarised how you can best manage short-term to long-term sickness and absence. It includes:
- the process you should follow,
- return to work interviews,
- pay,
- managing self-isolation,
- recurring absences.
Put your business in a better position this winter. Download the free guide below.
For further support on assisting your employees’ wellbeing, visit our Resilience Hub.
Sources
1. gov.uk/taking-sick-leave
