Staff Sickness Policy
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We understand that employees may need to be absent for various reasons. To ensure fair and consistent treatment, this policy outlines how such situations will be handled. Absence, whether due to illness or other circumstances, refers to the non-attendance of staff during contracted hours.
We reserve the right to use the Bradford Factor to calculate absence.
Procedure
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Initial Notification of Sickness: If you know you will not be in due to sickness, please contact your manager on the first sign of illness before 7:00 AM. This allows us to arrange staff ratios effectively.
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Daily Sickness Notification: If your sickness continues, you must contact your manager each day before 7:00 AM to update them on your condition and expected return.
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Method of Notification: All notifications of sickness or absence must be made via phone to your manager by 7:00 AM. You must provide details of your absence and an expected return date. Voicemails or text messages are not acceptable for absence notifications.
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Cover Arrangements: The Manager will ensure appropriate cover is arranged. If the Manager is unavailable, the Deputy will arrange cover.
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Self-Certification (Short-Term Absence): Depending on your previous record of short-term sickness/absence, you may be required to complete a 'Self-Certificate' for absences of less than seven days (including non-working days). These are available from a Doctor's Surgery or www.direct.gov.uk.
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Fit Note and Return to Work Meeting (Long-Term Absence): For absences exceeding seven days, you will need to provide a 'Fit Note' from your GP. Upon your return, a 'Return to Work Meeting' will be conducted with your Manager. This meeting will assess the reasons for your absence, identify any solutions, and confirm your fitness to return to work.
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Formal Process for Repeated Absences: Repeated long-term absences or frequent short-term illnesses will trigger a formal process, following government recommendations.
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Medical Examination: HMRC can arrange a medical examination for returning staff (with consent) to assess their fitness for work.
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Potential Termination of Employment: If reasonable adjustments are ineffective or your health is not expected to improve, employment may be terminated.
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Return Interview: Upon your return from any absence, a return interview will be conducted.
CREATED: AUGUST 2023 REVIEWED: July 2025
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