Most businesses from time-to-time will have to deal with employee absences due to sickness, be it the odd days to frequent short term absence to more prolonged long term sickness and illness.

Dealing with staff absence can be dealt with informally or more formally depending on the circumstances. Often, short term sickness absences can be dealt with internally with consultation meetings, return to work meetings and Fit Note guidance from the GP. In longer term sickness absence a more formal doctor’s report may be required as well as consideration for reasonable adjustments in line with duties under the Equality Act 2010.

How can NFU Employment Service help your business with Sickness Absence:

• Online Manual Chapter on topics such as Sick Pay, Long Term Ill Health Absenteeism and Access to Medical Reports
• Template documents including Return to Work forms, Medical Report Consent Form and Letter to GP enquiring about sickness absence
• Staff Handbook Policy on Absence Management
• Template Additional Clause on Discretionary Company Sick Pay
• Access to our Helpline where our advisers can assist you with your holiday entitlement related queries.