Whilst there are conflicting reports about the average cost of absence due to sickness for employers, there is little dispute that absence is disruptive for the workplace and has an adverse effect on productivity and profitability.

However, as there can be different reasons for absence it is important that employers adopt appropriate policies and apply them consistently to all employees. Where an employee has been absent for extended periods employers should consider matters such as obtaining medical evidence, consulting with the employee and alternative employment, before taking any action against them.

An employees’ absence could be due to a condition which amounts to a disability for the purposes of the Disability Discrimination Act 1995. We can advise employers in relation to both short and long term absence, capability procedures and employee management.