Category Archives: Long term sickness absence

What evidence will you need to dismiss someone fairly on long term absence?

Whilst you will naturally prefer someone who is off long-term sick to come back to work, sometimes this is just not possible and you need to consider dismissal for ‘capability’ reasons so that the organisation can move on. Any dismissal can be risky, and where

Does an employer have to make ‘reasonable adjustments’ when there is no disability?

Most employers know that when an employee has a disability, there is a specific requirement to make what are called ‘reasonable adjustments’, to enable the employee to work (or to continue working). These can include initiatives such as additional equipment, changes to hours or working

What adjustments should be considered if someone is off long-term sick?

  If you have someone who has been absent from work for a long period due to ill health, the chances of them being able to come back as ‘normal’ straightaway are usually pretty slim. Sometimes permanent adjustments are needed, but frequently some adjustment of

What can you do if someone refuses to engage with a long-term absence process?

It is not at all uncommon for someone who is on long-term sick leave to show reluctance to engage with any kind of ‘process’ conducted by the employer. It might be about a process seeking medical advice about fitness to work, return to work options

Why is it important to maintain contact with someone on long term sick?

Most small businesses will have to deal with an employee being off sick for an extended period at some point, and knowing how much (if at all!) to stay in touch with someone can feel like a bit of a minefield. It may feel easier