Sickness Absence Management Policy

6.Reporting absence from work

1. 6.1.If employees are unwell and unable to attend work, they should phone their line manager as early as possible and in any event, no later than 30 minutes before their scheduled start time to confirm that they are sick and will not be at work.
2. 6.2.​​​​​Employees must not notify their absence by email, text, WhatsApp or via social media.
3. 6.3.Line managers may ask employees to provide some details about the reason for their absence, whether they are going to see a doctor and to let the manager know how long they are likely to be off work. The more information provided, the easier it will be for the line manager to manage and support an employees' return to work. Employees must also notify their manager as soon as they are fit to return to work.
4. 6.4.For the first seven calendar days of absence (including any non-working days, weekends and bank holidays), the Council will generally allow employees to self-certify - this means that employees do not need to provide a fit note. Employees will be asked to complete a return-to-work form on their first day back at work.
5. 6.5.If absence continues for longer than seven days, employees must obtain a fit note covering the remainder of the absence from the eighth calendar day. Employees should send their fit note to their line manager.
6. 6.6.A fit note includes details of the reason for absence and allows a doctor or other healthcare professional to stipulate whether employees are 'not fit for work' or 'may be fit for work'. If the fit note states that an employee 'may be fit for work', then they are invited to provide details of any measures that could be taken to help them return. If a fit note provides this information, then the Line Manager will generally arrange a meeting to discuss whether any measures can be put in place (which will depend on the needs of the business, and resources and capabilities). If the Line Manager is not able to facilitate a return to work, then employees will continue to be treated as if they are not fit for work. An Occupational Health referral may be made to obtain further advice.