Sickness Absence Management Policy

20.Returning to work following absence

1. 20.1.A return-to-work meeting will be held with employees after a period of sickness absence, regardless of length of absence, on the first day of return to work. All details will be recorded on MyView and employees will be asked to confirm that they agree with the comments made at the meeting.  This will be retained on their employee file for future reference.
2. 20.2.At the return-to-work meeting, the reason for the absence will be discussed, and any support that can be provided to improve future attendance levels.
3. 20.3.If the employee is returning from a period of long-term sickness absence, then where appropriate and possible, this will be supported by:

   • obtaining medical advice (if agreed and appropriate)

   • making reasonable adjustments to the workplace and/or the employee's duties

   • considering redeployment (based on medical advice)

   • considering a phased return to work

4. 20.4.Where a fit note indicates that the employee is required to return to the medical practitioner for further assessment, they will be required to do this before they return to work.

5. 20.5.If employees wish to return to work before the expiry of their fit note, they may only do so if it has been agreed with their line manager and HR in advance. In some cases, it may be necessary to take advice from Occupational Health prior to the employees return.  Line managers will need to carry out a risk assessment prior to return.

6. 20.6.Where an employee returns to work before their fit note expires, the line manager must ensure the Return-to-Work form details the return to work plan, including a risk assessment.