Managing Absence

What absence costs your business

On average, an individual’s sickness absence costs an employer £659 a year and is equivalent to 8.4 working days lost.

How it costs you

• Overtime to cover
• Replacement temporary staff
• Reduced / delayed production
• Lower quality or levels of service
• Customer dissatisfaction
• Management time dealing with issues
• Increased pressure on other employees
• Low morale and general dissatisfaction

Deciding on action

Investigate the reasons for absence or lateness before deciding on any action. Is there a pattern or related problems – e.g. at home, at work place, with their health etc? Remember unauthorised absence is misconduct.

Managing short-term absence

Ensure the employee follows your company absence reporting procedures. Conduct 'Return to work' interviews for every absence, establish the reasons for the absence and any underlying causes. Agree an action plan, set a date for review and outline implications of failure to improve.

The importance of information

Keep accurate records of lateness and absence - it is about what you can prove, not what you think you know.

Legal requirements

It is potentially fair to dismiss someone for sickness absence. Case law distinguishes different approaches for short term ‘persistent intermittent’ sickness absence and long term sickness absence. However, beware of disability discrimination - an accusation of this is serious as potential damages at tribunal for discrimination are unlimited. Ensure that that your processes being applied equally, any disability is given due consideration and any religious requirements considered.

Seek expert advice before dismissing an employee for sickness absence. MHL Support Ltd can help you manage your absence fairly and effectively.

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