Sickness Absence Policy

This Sickness Absence Policy is intended to help employers manage sickness-related absence fairly and effectively. It provides a structured framework for dealing with both frequent short-term absence and long-term sickness absence.

The policy sets defined trigger points for each process. Those two review processes are intended to run in parallel, so that sickness absence is managed under one or the other as appropriate.

From 6 April 2026, Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) is available to all eligible employees regardless of their earnings and is payable from the first day of sickness absence. This policy takes account of this change.

Managing frequent and long-term sickness absence

This policy is designed for employers who need a clear procedure for reviewing attendance, investigating the reasons for absence, and deciding what action may be appropriate.

It makes clear that employers are not expected to continue employment indefinitely where there is long-term sick leave or a pattern of frequent sickness absence. The procedure allows for action up to and including dismissal.

Capability, fairness and the review process

Lack of capability, including incapability related to ill health, can be a potentially fair reason for dismissal. However, to be fair, any dismissal must fall within the band of reasonable responses.

That means the employer should investigate the reasons for the employee’s sickness absence and give the employee an opportunity to improve their attendance before taking action.

What this sickness absence policy covers

The policy covers notification and certification of sickness, maintaining contact during absence, return to work interviews, sick pay, sickness during holiday, medical advice, staged review processes for frequent and long-term sickness absence, work arrangements during absence, and data protection.

Employers starting a formal review process can use the Invitation to a Stage 1 Long-term Sickness Absence Meeting or the Invitation to a Stage 1 Frequent Sickness Absence Meeting, depending on the type of absence being managed.

When to use this policy instead of the wider absence policy

This policy focuses specifically on sickness-related absence. For a policy covering sickness and other types of absence, see the separate Sickness And Absence Policy.

Sickness Absence Policy is part of Employment. Just £38.50 + VAT provides unlimited downloads from Employment for 1 year.