Invitation to a Stage 1 Frequent Sickness Absence Meeting

This letter is used for frequent short-term sickness absence, where an employee is repeatedly absent for relatively short periods because of unconnected illnesses.

For long-term sickness absence, meaning any absence of at least 28 calendar days, see the long-term sickness absence documents instead.

When to Use This Stage 1 Frequent Sickness Absence Meeting Letter

Use this letter to invite an employee to a Stage 1 formal review meeting under a company’s short-term or frequent sickness absence procedure.

Trigger points are set by the employer, but typical examples include:

• 10 working days’ absence within a rolling 12-month period; or
• 5 separate instances of absence within a rolling 12-month period.

What the Meeting Is For

The purpose of the meeting is to address the employee’s attendance record and encourage improved attendance levels.

It also forms part of a process that may later be needed to justify a fair dismissal.

Support, Attendance, and Reasonable Adjustments

The letter gives the employee the right to be accompanied to the meeting.

Employers should also consider whether the meeting would be easier or more productive if:

• it were held off-site; or
• the employee were allowed to be accompanied by a family member.

An employee with short-term sickness absence may be suffering from a disability. In that case, reasonable adjustments may need to be made, including adjustments to the meeting arrangements.

This letter asks the employee what adaptations may be needed to enable them to attend.

Next Step After the Meeting

A first stage formal warning will be issued at the review meeting and confirmed in writing. See the Letter confirming the outcome of a Stage 1 frequent sickness absence meeting.

Invitation to a Stage 1 Frequent Sickness Absence Meeting is part of Employment. Just £38.50 + VAT provides unlimited downloads from Employment for 1 year.