Sickness absence and sick pay

New and updated

• Letter confirming what has been agreed following a long-term sickness absence return-to-work meeting

  Type:

  Policies and documents

  A model letter to confirm what has been agreed following an informal long-term sickness absence return-to-work meeting (also known as a "return-to-work interview").

• Form to record a long-term sickness absence return-to-work meeting

  Type:

  Policies and documents

  A model form to record an informal return-to-work meeting (also known as a "return-to-work interview") taking place after long-term sickness absence.

• Policy on long-term sickness absence return-to-work meetings

  Type:

  Policies and documents

  A model policy to use as a guide to conducting an informal return-to-work meeting (also known as a "return-to-work interview") taking place after long-term sickness absence.

• July 2019 employment law announcements: Key proposals for HR

  Date:

  26 July 2019

  Type:

  Commentary and analysis

  July 2019 saw progress made on an unusual number of proposed employment law changes. The Government published consultations covering workplace sexual harassment, statutory sick pay, family-friendly leave and pay, flexibility in working hours, modern slavery statements, and enforcement of worker rights. It also made announcements on changes to the laws on rehabilitation periods for offenders, settlement agreements, and protection against redundancy during pregnancy and maternity leave.

• Consultation on proposals to reduce ill-health-related job loss

  Type:

  Consultations

  The Government consults on proposals to support disabled people and people with long-term health conditions to remain in work.

• How to deal with employees on long-term sickness absence

  Type:

  How to

  Updated to include additional information on the risks of dismissing employees who are entitled to receive payments under a permanent health insurance scheme.

• Letter confirming the outcome of a stage 3 short-term sickness absence meeting

  Type:

  Policies and documents

  Updated to highlight the EAT decision in Kelly v Royal Mail Group Ltd, in which a long-serving employee was dismissed for frequent and lengthy absences.

• Return-to-work meetings after short-term sickness absence

  Type:

  Line manager briefings

  A line manager briefing setting out the importance of return-to-work meetings in reducing short-term sickness absence levels and helping to ensure that employees are engaged, productive and working to the best of their ability. The briefing provides practical guidance for line managers on holding return-to-work meetings, as well as providing "Talking points" for training sessions.

• Absence rates and costs: 2019 XpertHR survey

  Date:

  23 May 2019

  Type:

  Survey analysis

  XpertHR's latest survey finds that sickness absence rates remain unchanged for 2019, but employers continue to underestimate the total cost of such absence to the business.

• Occupational sick pay: 2019 XpertHR survey

  Date:

  25 April 2019

  Type:

  Survey analysis

  XpertHR's research into occupational sick pay looks at the benefits on offer, including any service requirements, and the circumstances in which sick pay may be withheld.