Invitation to a Stage 3 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 3 Frequent Sickness Absence Meeting Letter

Use this letter to invite an employee to a Stage 3 formal review meeting under a company’s short-term or frequent sickness absence procedure.

The Stage 3 meeting is used where the employee’s level of sickness absence remains unacceptable during the Stage 2 review period, following the Stage 2 frequent sickness absence meeting.

Final Stage of the Frequent Sickness Absence Process

Although the aim is to encourage and facilitate improved attendance, this meeting also forms part of a process that may later be needed to justify a fair dismissal.

As this is the final stage of the absence management procedure, the letter warns the employee that dismissal is a possible outcome.

The Stage 3 meeting should usually be conducted by a manager who is more senior than the manager who handled the Stage 1 and Stage 2 meetings.

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.

Outcome After the Meeting

A second stage formal warning will be issued at the review meeting and confirmed in writing. See the Letter confirming the outcome of a Stage 3 frequent sickness absence meeting.

Invitation to a Stage 3 Frequent Sickness Absence Meeting is part of Employment. Just £38.50 + VAT provides unlimited downloads from Employment for 1 year.